interleukines

Interleukines are a large and diverse group of cytokines produced primarily by leukocytes that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. They act by binding specific interleukin receptors on target cells, influencing cellular growth, differentiation, and activity. Signaling often involves pathways such as JAK-STAT and MAP kinase, leading to changes in gene expression.

Interleukines include both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory members. Examples of pro-inflammatory interleukines include IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17, while anti-inflammatory ones include IL-10 and IL-37. Their effects are context-dependent, varying with the stage of the immune response and the repertoire of receptors present on target cells.

Production of interleukines occurs in a variety of immune and non-immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and more. They coordinate communication among immune cells and influence processes such as T cell differentiation (for instance, IL-2 promotes T cell proliferation, while IL-4 can drive Th2 differentiation), macrophage activation, antibody production, neutrophil recruitment, fever, and the acute-phase response.

Clinical relevance is substantial. Interleukines are targets for therapies in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with drugs that inhibit or modulate IL-1, IL-6, IL-12/23, and IL-17 signaling among established examples. Some interleukines and their receptors are also explored as therapeutic agents to boost immune responses in cancer or infectious diseases.

See also: Cytokines, Interleukins in immunology, Immunotherapy.