Cytokines in dermatology

Cytokines are soluble factors that are secreted by one cell and affect the function of other cells. The ability to clone genes for cytokines and produce large quantities of biologically active proteins has allowed for better characterization of cytokines and paved the way for their therapeutic use. The vast number of compounds initially described on the basis of their functional activities are now understood to be members of a more limited number of cytokine families, many of which are either interleukins, interferons, or colony stimulating factors. This article summarizes the effects of these cytokines in vitro, their relationship to various dermatologic disorders, and some potential therapeutic uses relevant to dermatology.