Important Molecules

Question 1

IL-2 Function:

Answer 1

-Stimulates proliferation and differentiation of mature T and B cells (Th1 cytokines promote: macrophage activation, antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, delayed-type hypersensitivity)

Question 2

IL-10 Function:

Answer 2

-Anti-inflamamtory (inhibitory cytokine), blocks the generation of Th1 CD4+ T cells. (Th2 cytokines promote: IgG1 and IgE isotope switching, mucosal immunity, stimulation of mast cells, eosinophil growth and differentiation, IgA synthesis)

Question 3

IL-12 Function:

Answer 3

• Important factor in inducing production of Th1 CD4+ T cells (can switch Th2 production to Th1 production - regulates Th1 response).
• Potent inducer of IFNgamma production by Th1 CD4+ T cells and NK cells
• Enhances NK cell and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell activity

Question 4

IL-35 Function:

Answer 4

• Released by Treg cells and creates a positive feedback loop to produce more Treg cells.
• Plays a role in immune suppression.
• Reduces activity of Th17 cell populations

Question 5

TGF-beta Function:

Answer 5

-Secreted by Th1 cells and Treg (anti-inflammatory), controls proliferation, cellular differentiation and other functions in most cells (inhibitory cytokine)

Question 6

CCR7 Function:

Answer 6

Important for trafficking to the lymph node, expressed various lymphoid tissues, activates B and T lymphocytes and controls migration of memory T cells to secondary lymphoid organs (lymph node) to stimulate DC maturation

Question 7

CD25 Function:

Answer 7

• IL-2 receptor protein
• By itself it is just the alpha-cahin (low affinity) receptor. When complexed with beta and gamma chains it becomes a high affinity receptor