Cytokines Flashcards
Generic term for soluble mediators that regulate the immune system
Cytokines
Function of interleukins in the immune system
Immune cell differentiation and activation
Example of an interleukin that acts as an endogenous pyrogen
IL-1
Example of an interleukin that acts as a T cell growth factor
IL-2
Effect of IL-2 on immune cells
Growth and differentiation of B and T cells, induces lytic activity of NK cells
Effect of IL-6 on immune cells
Stimulates B-cells to become plasma cells, induces CD4+ cells to produce cytokines
Effect of IL-4 in the immune system
Regulates Th2 immune activities, drives antibody response
Effect of IL-10 on the immune system
Inhibitory effect on the immune system
Proteins produced by virally infected cells to protect neighboring cells
Interferons
Anti-viral activity of interferons
Virus-nonspecific but host-specific anti-viral activity
Types of interferons
Type 1 (Alpha and Beta), Type 2 (Gamma)
Type of interferon produced by leukocytes and Null cells/NK cells
Interferon Alpha
Type of interferon produced by fibroblasts and epithelial cells
Interferon Beta
Function of Type 1 interferon
Non-immune, product of the initial response to viral infection
Type of interferon that is part of the specific immune response to pathogens
Interferon Gamma
Major producers of Interferon Gamma
Th1 cells
Function of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)
Cytotoxic activity against tumor cells and virally infected cells
Produced by macrophages and known as cachectin
TNF Alpha
Produced by CD4 and CD8 cells and known as lymphotoxin
TNF Beta
Function of chemokines
Enhances motility and promotes migration of white blood cells
Substance released by platelets during coagulation that affects gram-positive bacteria
Betalysin
Function of Transforming Growth Factor-B
Induces antiproliferative activity and helps downregulate inflammatory response
