Cytokines Flashcards
1
Q
Cytokine
A
- Diverse group of regulatory proteins or glycoproteins.
- First termed in mid 1970s
2
Q
How do cytokines work
A
- Act as chemical communicators between cells
- Induce their effect by binding to specific cell surface receptors
- thereby triggering various intracellular signal transduction events
Most act upon or are produced by leukocytes
3
Q
Cytokines regulate
A
- Immune and inflammatory function
- Haematopiesis
- Wound healing
4
Q
6 cytokine families
A
- ‘β-Trefoil’ cytokines
- Chemokines
- ‘Cystine knot’ cytokines
- EGF family
- Haematopoietins
- TNF family
5
Q
Polypeptide Regulatory Factors
A
- ALL cytokines are PRFs
- NOT ALL PRFs are cytokines
6
Q
Initial distinguishable factor between cytokines and polypeptide hormones
A
Hormones are produced by a multicellular distinguishable gland and affect cells far from site of production. (True endocrine fashion)
Cytokines are produced by WBC and work in autocrine fashion
7
Q
Erythropoietin
EPO
A
A cytokine but considered a true hormone
Effective in stimulating RBC production in anemic persons
8
Q
Growth Factors
Cytokines
A
Obvious potential for promoting wound healing
9
Q
Neutrophic Factors
Cytokines
A
Show clinical potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
