Cytokine (inflammatory)

Inflammatory cytokines are a broad class of small secreted proteins produced predominantly by immune cells (macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells) that mediate immune responses, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. They include interleukins (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, IL-17), tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α), interferons (IFN-γ), chemokines, and colony-stimulating factors. Cytokines operate through binding to specific receptors on target cells and activating intracellular signaling pathways, principally the JAK-STAT, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways[4][8]. Persistent or dysregulated cytokine activity underlies many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and cytokines are thus major therapeutic targets in pathological conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, psoriasis, and cancer[2][7][8]. Drugs targeting inflammatory cytokines are effective in controlling disease, but pose risks of immunosuppression and related safety concerns.

Other names

Inflammatory cytokinespro-inflammatory cytokinesimmune modulatorsimmunomodulatory cytokines

Cytokine neutralization (binding cytokines and preventing receptor interaction). Cytokine receptor blockade. Signaling pathway inhibition (e.g., JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors). Suppression of cytokine production.