Cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway

The Cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway encompasses the complex network of signaling events initiated by the binding of cytokines (small secreted proteins) to their high-affinity cell surface receptors. These interactions trigger intracellular signal transduction cascades—such as JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K, and others—which regulate essential biological processes including immune response, cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. The pathway involves myriad individual cytokines (e.g., interleukins, interferons, colony-stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factors) and their structurally diverse receptor families, each with unique and sometimes overlapping functions. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in a wide variety of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, infections, and cancers.

Other names

Cytokine signaling pathwayCytokine receptor signalingCytokine-mediated signaling pathway