Cytokine and chemokine

Cytokines and chemokines are a vast family of small, secreted signaling proteins (typically <30 kDa) that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (Wikipedia, 2024; NCBI, 2023). Cytokines, including interleukins (IL), interferons (IFN), and tumor necrosis factors (TNF), act as messengers to coordinate the nature and intensity of the immune response, while chemokines are a specialized subset that directs the migration of leukocytes (chemotaxis) to sites of injury or infection (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2022; ProBiologists, 2023). These molecules exert their biological effects by binding to specific high-affinity cell-surface receptors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades such as the JAK-STAT or NF-κB pathways (MDPI, 2021; Creative Proteomics, 2024). Dysregulation of these pathways is central to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer progression (Frontiers, 2023; ResearchGate, 2026). Consequently, they are major therapeutic targets, with treatments ranging from monoclonal antibodies that neutralize specific pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., Infliximab for TNF-α) to small molecules that block chemokine receptors (e.g., Maraviroc for CCR5) or inhibit downstream signaling (PubMed, 2020). Therapeutic agents targeting this class include biologics like Tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R) and small molecules like Plerixafor (CXCR4 antagonist), which have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain malignancies (StatPearls, 2023). Monitoring of biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and specific cytokine levels is often employed to assess treatment efficacy and safety (MDPI, 2024).

Other names

Cytokines and chemokinesImmunomodulatorsCell signaling proteinsInflammatory mediatorsChemotactic cytokinesCytokine superfamily

Drugs targeting cytokines and chemokines typically function by neutralizing the soluble ligand using monoclonal antibodies, blocking the cognate receptor with antagonists, or inhibiting downstream intracellular signaling pathways such as the JAK-STAT or NF-κB pathways.