[Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in acute inflammatory disease]

Inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the generation of the inflammatory response leading to lung injury. The early response cytokines interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are produced by alveolar macrophages and induce the production of a variety of cytokines and chemokines by both macrophages and mesenchymal cells (including fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells). Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines and recruit leucocytes to the site of inflammation. Some cytokines are proinflammatory and others are antiinflammatory. It is the balance between them that determines the net effect of the inflammatory response. Some examples of pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines are discussed, with consideration of their possible prognostic and therapeutic values.