2. Cytokines and chemokines
Larry C Borish1, John W Steinke
1Beirne Carter Center for Immunology, Asthma and Allergic Disease Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1355, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|February 20, 2003
Summary
Cytokines and chemokines are crucial secreted proteins that regulate immune responses, influencing cell trafficking and immune organ arrangement. Their specific production dictates the type and development of immune responses, whether cytotoxic, humoral, cell-mediated, or allergic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cytokines and chemokines are secreted proteins regulating immune responses, cell trafficking, and immune organ structure.
- The specific cytokines produced upon immune insult determine the development and nature of the immune response (cytotoxic, humoral, cell-mediated, allergic).
- Cytokine function is complex, varying with cellular source, target, and immune response phase, and can exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the diverse roles of cytokines and chemokines in orchestrating immune responses.
- To categorize cytokines based on their cellular origin and the type of immunity they mediate.
- To review the biology of chemokines, organized by their respective families.
Main Methods:
- Review and categorization of cytokines based on their origin (mononuclear phagocyte-derived, T-lymphocyte-derived).
- Classification of cytokines by their function in mediating specific immune responses (cytotoxic, humoral, cell-mediated, allergic, immunosuppressive).
- Systematic review of chemokine biology, grouped by established families.
Main Results:
- Cytokines act as critical regulators, initiating and shaping immune responses.
- The context-dependent functions of cytokines highlight their intricate roles in immunity.
- Chemokines play a vital role in immune cell trafficking and organization.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cytokine and chemokine diversity is essential for comprehending immune response regulation.
- The classification presented provides a framework for studying these key immune mediators.
- Further research into cytokine and chemokine interactions can reveal novel therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases.
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