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A Comprehensive Insight into Cytokines and Their Central Role in Immune Communication, Inflammation, and Therapeutic
Cytokines are small signaling proteins that orchestrate communication between cells of the immune system. They are essential for regulating inflammation, infection defense, cell growth, tissue repair, and immune responses. Produced by various immune cells—including T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells—cytokines act as messengers that instruct cells how to react to pathogens, toxins, injuries, and disease processes.
Cytokines include several major groups such as interleukins, chemokines, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, and growth factors. Each plays a distinct biological role. For example, interleukins coordinate immune cell activity, interferons defend against viral infections, and chemokines guide cell migration to inflammation sites. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) promotes early inflammatory responses, while transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) supports tissue repair and immune regulation.
Cytokines operate through highly specific receptor interactions. When a cytokine binds to its receptor on a target cell, it triggers intracellular signaling cascades that influence gene expression and cellular behavior.…