Endogenous and exogenous cytokines: An overview and introduction

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cytokines are small proteins secreted by immune cells, essential for regulating innate and adaptive immunity.
• Dysregulation of cytokine balance contributes to diseases like sepsis, transplant rejection, and autoimmune disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of cytokines in immunity and disease.
• To highlight the therapeutic applications of cytokines and cytokine inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cytokine functions and therapeutic strategies.
• Analysis of cytokine roles in inflammatory, neoplastic, autoimmune, and allergic conditions.

Main Results:

• Cytokines encompass diverse functions, including immune stimulation (interleukins) and cell migration (chemokines).
• Therapeutic cytokines and inhibitors have advanced treatment for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions:

• Cytokines are critical regulators of immune responses with significant therapeutic potential.
• Further research into cytokine-based therapies and inhibitors is warranted to combat various diseases.