The Fascination of Cytokine Immunological Science

Abstract

Today, it is known that all human biological functions are under two fundamental regulatory systems, consisting of the endocrine system and the cytokine network. Moreover, it has been shown that the cytokines released from the activated immune cells do not influence only immune functions, but also the whole biological system, including the various metabolic activities, the cardiovascular system, and the functionless of the neuroendocrine system itself. Unfortunately, despite the well-demonstrated importance of cytokines in maintaining the status of health, from a clinical point of view the routine evaluation of the cytokine system still remains unconsidered to establish the status of health, since it is investigated only in severe conditions, such as septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and respiratory distress, which have been demonstrated to be due to an abnormal endogenous production of inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta. This clinical deficiency was depended on several factors, particularly on the complexity of cytokine interactions themselves, but also on the decision to use artificial molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies against the various cytokines, to counteract their eventual abnormally enhanced endogenous production, rather than to investigate the mechanisms responsible for their altered production and to correct eventual alterations. The main reason of the complexity of the cytokine network is related to the fact that the interactions occurring among the different cytokines are often founded on positive feedback mechanisms, then on reciprocal stimulatory actions, while the endocrine system is substantially based on negative feedback circuits. The aim of the present review is to propose a synthetic knowledge regarding the main effects and the source of origin of each single interleukin discovered up to now, to elaborate a first preliminary fundamental physiology of the cytokine network.

Biological Role, Mechanism of Action and the Importance of Interleukins in Kidney Diseases

“…The second group includes anti-inflammatory molecules, which are 14 interleukins, such as: IL-7, IL-10, IL-30 and IL-37. The last group consists of interleukins with a dual function, which, in appropriate situations, can act as inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules—IL-2, IL-3, IL-11 or IL-12 ( Figure 2 ) [ 4 ].…”

“…They are involved in several important cellular processes, including proliferation, maturation, migration and adhesion, and also participate in the activation and differentiation of immune system cells [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Currently, according to the literature, we have distinguished about 40 interleukins, and their number is constantly growing (at the end of the 20th century, this group consisted of 30) [ 4 ]. Moreover, it has been shown that interleukins as an element of the cytokine network affect the entire human organism, including metabolic activity and cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems, allowing the maintenance of homeostasis [ 5 ].…”

“…However, their complex and broad spectrum of actions and influence on other cells may lead to their over-depression and the development of disease. This regards autoimmune diseases, diabetes and neoplastic and neurological disorders, as well as kidney diseases [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. However, despite the importance of interleukins, their routine evaluation is not a widespread gold diagnostic standard in modern medicine.…”

Immunobiological Properties and Clinical Applications of Interleukin-38 for Immune-Mediated Disorders: A Systematic Review Study

“…Hence, it would be more practically effective to focus on confirmed clinical and diagnostic applications of seroimmunobiomarkers acquired from laboratory-based results. IL-38 is the latest known member of the IL-1 superfamily (IL-36 sub-family) [210,211]. Functionally, IL-38 is a dose (concentration), microenvironment, and receptor-dependent cytokine, acting as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, although the exact role of IL-38 remains unclear.…”

A preliminar study of a neuroimmune regimen with low-dose angiotensin 1-7 plus melatonin to improve the safety of covid 19 vaccine

“…Moreover, it has been shown that IL-17 may stimulate ACE expression and inhibit that of ACE2 [6], by furtherly worsening Ang 1-7 deficiency. Most cytokines of the cytokine network play a pro-inflammatory action [7], and only few cytokines exert an anti-inflammatory action, including IL-10, TGF-beta, IL-21, IL-30, IL-35, and IL-37. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory action of IL-10, TGFbeta and IL-35 is associated with a concomitant immunosuppressive activity.…”