Cytokines definition

What is Cytokines and Definition

Cytokines - a large family of proteins that mediate and regulate the IMMUNE RESPONSE. Leukocytes (white BLOOD cells) produce cytokines. There are more than 100 cytokines, which may act independently or synergistically with other cytokines. Among the actions of cytokines are cell homing and direction (drawing leukocytes to the site of INFECTION or injury), INFLAMMATION response, and stimulation of the numerous molecules that participate in the immune response. Cytokines may act on the cells that produce them (autocrine activity), on cells in proximity to them (paracrine activity), or on cells throughout the body (endocrine activity).

See also ANTIBODY; ANTIGEN; CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY; HISTAMINE; HORMONE; LEUKOCYTE; LEUKOTRIENES.

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