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Cytokines: Key Regulators of Immune Response and Therapeutic Targets in Disease
Cytokines are small signaling proteins secreted by immune cells that mediate and regulate immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They include interleukins (ILs), interferons (IFNs), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), chemokines, and growth factors, each with specific biological functions.
Cytokines are critical for coordinating defense mechanisms against infections, tumor surveillance, and tissue repair.
Abnormal cytokine activity can result in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, cytokine storm, or immunodeficiency disorders. Therapeutic interventions target cytokines through monoclonal antibodies, receptor antagonists, and small molecule inhibitors to modulate immune responses. Cytokine assays are used in research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine to monitor immune status, predict disease severity, and optimize immunotherapy. Emerging fields such as cytokine engineering and cytokine-based therapeutics offer novel approaches for treating cancers, viral infections, and inflammatory diseases.
