A primer on cytokines: sources, receptors, effects, and inducers

Abstract

Protection against pathogens is a prerequisite for survival of most organisms. To cope with this continuous challenge, complex defense mechanisms have evolved. The construction, adaptation, and maintenance of these mechanisms are under control of an extensive network of regulatory proteins called cytokines. A great number of cytokines have been described over the last 2 decades. This review consists of an overview of cytokines that are involved in immune responses and describes some historical and general aspects as well as prospective clinical applications. Major biological effects together with information on cytokine receptors, producers, inducers, and biochemical and molecular characteristics are listed in tables. In addition, some basic information is given on cytokine receptor signal transduction. Finally, the recent discoveries of cytokine receptors functioning as coreceptors in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus are summarized.

Cytokines and cell adhesion molecules associated with high-intensity eccentric exercise

“…Cytokines are produced by a variety of cells including the vascular endothelium, tissue-resident leukocytes, and circulating leukocytes (Bagby et al 1996;Cavaillon 1994;Dinarello 1997;Thijs and Hack 1995). Cytokines are divided into several dierent families, which include the interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons, growth factors, colony stimulating factors (CSFs), and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs; Curfs et al 1997). For the most part, each family of cytokines contributes to speci®c aspects of acute in¯ammation.…”

“…CSFs, which are released from the injured tissue and aid in the proliferation, dierentiation, and activation of hematopoietic cells, include granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF; Curfs et al 1997). …”

Zytokine

“…Die Superfamilie der Zytokine umfasst die Familie der Interferone, der Interleukine, der Wachstumsfaktoren und der Chemokine [2] …”

Targeting cytokine/chemokine receptors: a challenge for molecular nuclear medicine

“…], the TNF receptor superfamily, the Ig receptor superfamily (IL1R), the IFN receptor superfamily etc. [5,6,7]. Dimerisation of the cytokine receptor subunits leads to the activation of the receptor-associated cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases (JAKs) that recruit members of the STAT family or activate the Ras-mitogen pathways [7].…”

“…Dimerisation of the cytokine receptor subunits leads to the activation of the receptor-associated cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases (JAKs) that recruit members of the STAT family or activate the Ras-mitogen pathways [7]. Cytokines play an important role in the diverse phases of the immune response: induction and outcome of the inflammatory process, regulation of the acute phase response, initiation of lymphocyte activation, control of antibody production and/or generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes [6,7]. Cytokines are also involved in the control of the neoplastic process, acting both as tumour growth inhibitors and as tumour growth factors [8,9].…”