Cytokine production by immunocompetent cells (null)

Cytokine production by immunocompetent cells refers broadly to the synthesis and secretion of small signaling proteins called cytokines by various immune system cells—including macrophages, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, dendritic cells—as well as some nonimmune stromal and endothelial cells. Cytokines are key mediators that regulate immunity, inflammation, hematopoiesis, cell growth/differentiation/survival/apoptosis. They act via autocrine/paracrine/endocrine mechanisms through high-affinity interactions with specific surface receptors on target cells. The balance and timing of their release orchestrate both innate and adaptive immune responses; dysregulation contributes significantly to pathologies such as infection-related inflammation ("cytokine storm"), autoimmune disorders, cancer progression/suppression depending on context.[1][3][5] “Cytokines are produced in response to invading pathogens…to stimulate recruit and proliferate immune cells…including interleukins (IL), chemokines…interferons…and tumor necrosis factors.” [1] Because this term does not refer specifically enough to any single molecular entity or druggable protein/receptor/enzyme/transporter/etc., it should be flagged for correction if used in structured databases intended for therapeutic targets.

Other names

Cytokine secretionImmune cell cytokine releaseImmunomodulatory cytokine production

Inhibition of cytokine synthesis/secretion; Blockade of cytokine receptors on target cells