Important Cytokines Flashcards
IL-1
An endogenous pyrogen. Causes fever, acute inflammation. Activates endothelium to express adhesion molecules; induces chemokine secretion to recruit leukocytes.
IL-6
An endogenous pyrogen. Also secreted by Th2 cells. Causes fever and stimulates production of acute-phase proteins.
IL-8
Major chemotactic factor for neutrophils.
“Clean up on aisle 8”. Neutrophils are recruited by IL-8 to clear infections.
IL-12
Induces differentiation of T cells into Th1 cells. Activates NK cells. Also secreted by B cells.
TNF-alpha
Mediates septic shock. Activates endothelium. Causes leukocyte recruitment, vascular leak.
“Hot T-Bone stEAk”
IL-1: fever (hot) IL-2: stimulates T cells. IL-3: stimulates Bone marrow. IL-4: stimulates IgE production. IL-5: stimulates IgA production.
IL-2
Stimulates growth of helper, cytotoxic and regulatory T cells.
IL-3
Supports the growth and differentiation of bone marrow stem cells. Functions like GM-CSF.
Interferon-Gama
Activates macrophages and Th1 cells. Suppresses Th2 cells. Has antiviral and antitumor properties.
IL-4
Induces differentiation into Th2 cells. Promotes growth of B cells. Enhances class switching to IgE and IgG.
IL-5
Promotes differentiation of B cells. Enhances class switching to IgA. Stimulates the growth and differentiation of eosinophils.
IL-10
Modulates inflammatory response. Inhibits actions of activated T cells and Th1. Also secreted by regulatory T cells.
TGF-Beta has similar actions to IL-10, because it is involved in inhibiting inflammation.
