Veterinary Immunology and Serology

PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINES

• Cytokines are proteins secreted by cells of immune system (both innate and adaptive) in response to microbes or other antigens e.g. macrophages, neutrophils NK cells etc.
• The nomenclature of cytokines is often based on source of origin e.g. cytokines produced by monocytes or macrophages are called monokines and when produced by lymphocytes are called lymphokines.
• It is known that the same protein is synthesized by lymphocytes, monocytes, and a variety of cells like endothelial cells and some epithelial cells.
• Interleukins are cytokines that regulate the interaction between lymphocytes and other leukocytes. They have been numbered chronologically in the order of their discovery (IL-1 to IL-35).
• Function of cytokines
  • Mediators and regulators of innate immunity.
  • Mediators and regulators of adaptive immunity.
  • Stimulators of haematopoiesis and differentiation of immature leukocytes.
  • The cytokines recruit and activates leukocytes to produce systemic reaction and synthesis of effector cells and proteins that potentiate antimicrobial responses.