Signalling in the immune system

Question 1

Cytokine families

Answer 1

• In general: Cytokines are proteins that are secreted + mediate effector functions of the immune system
• Families:
  + Interferon family
  + Chemokine family
  + Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) family
  + Interleukin family
  + Haematopoietins
  + Transforming Growth Factor Beta family

Question 2

Cytokine classes

Answer 2

• Innate Immunity Mediating cytokines
• Lymphocyte growth activation + differentiation-regulating cytokines
• Inflammatory cell activating cytokines
• Chemokines
• Haematopoiesis-stimulating cytokines