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Cytokines (/ ˈ s aɪ t ə k aɪ n /) [1] are a broad and loose category of small proteins (~5–25 kDa [2]) important in cell signaling. Due to their size, cytokines cannot cross the lipid bilayer of cells to enter the cytoplasm and therefore typically exert their functions by interacting with specific cytokine receptors on the target
Chemokines (from Ancient Greek χῠμείᾱ (khumeíā) 'alchemy' and κῑ́νησῐς (kī́nēsis) 'movement'), or chemotactic cytokines, are a family of small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells that induce directional movement of leukocytes, as well as other cell types, including endothelial and epithelial cells.
An inflammatory cytokine is a type of cytokine (a signaling molecule) that is secreted from immune cells and certain other cell types that promotes inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines are predominantly produced by T helper cells ( T h ) and macrophages and involved in the upregulation of inflammatory reactions. [ 1 ]
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an interleukin, which is a type of cytokine signaling molecule forming part of the immune system.It is a 15.5–16 kDa protein [5] that regulates the activities of white blood cells (leukocytes, often lymphocytes) that are responsible for immunity.
Interleukin 3 (IL3) is a cytokine that regulates hematopoiesis by controlling the production, differentiation and function of granulocytes and macrophages. [15] [16] The protein, which exists in vivo as a monomer, is produced in activated T cells and mast cells, [15] [16] and is activated by the cleavage of an N-terminal signal sequence. [16]
Lymphokines are a subset of cytokines that are produced by a type of immune cell known as a lymphocyte. [1] They are protein mediators typically produced by T cells to direct the immune system response by signaling between its cells.
An example of an autocrine agent is the cytokine interleukin-1 in monocytes.When interleukin-1 is produced in response to external stimuli, it can bind to cell-surface receptors on the same cell that produced it.
IL-6 is also the founding member of the myokine family of muscle-produced cytokines. Indeed, muscle-produced IL-6 after repeated contractions also has important autocrine and paracrine benefits, acting as a myokine, in regulating energy metabolism, controlling, for example, metabolic functions and stimulating glucose production.