immuunresponsmoleculen

immuunresponsmoleculen are signaling molecules that coordinate the body's response to infection, injury, and other immune challenges. They are produced by a variety of cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and even tissue-adjacent cells. These molecules act as chemical messengers that influence the behavior of immune and nonimmune cells, directing inflammation, cell recruitment, and the activation and differentiation of effector cells.

Major classes encompass cytokines, chemokines, antibodies and receptors, the complement system, and other mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins. Cytokines (interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factor) regulate cell communication and functional states; chemokines guide leukocyte trafficking; antibodies mediate pathogen neutralization and opsonization; the complement system promotes opsonization, lysis, and inflammation. These mediators are classified by their receptors and signaling pathways, with the JAK-STAT and NF-kB pathways playing central roles.

In health, immune response molecules produce a balanced response that clears pathogens while limiting tissue damage. Dysregulation—whether excessive, persistent, or insufficient—contributes to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, sepsis, or immunodeficiencies. Because of their central role, many therapies target these molecules or their receptors, including cytokine inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, which can modulate disease activity in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain infections.