Cytokine response pathways

Cytokine response pathways are complex intracellular signaling networks triggered by the interaction of cytokines with their specific cell-surface receptors [1]. These pathways, most notably the JAK-STAT, NF-κB, and MAPK cascades, serve as the primary mechanism for translating extracellular signals into gene expression changes that govern the immune system [2]. They play a fundamental role in biological processes such as hematopoiesis, inflammation, and the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses [3]. Pathological overactivation or dysregulation of these pathways is a primary driver of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, as well as the systemic inflammatory response syndrome known as a cytokine storm [4]. In oncology, aberrant cytokine signaling can promote tumor growth, survival, and evasion of the immune system [2]. Because these pathways are so broad, therapeutic intervention typically targets specific nodes, such as individual cytokines or specific intracellular enzymes like Janus kinases [5]. Drugs targeting these pathways have revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions but require careful monitoring for side effects like immunosuppression [5]. Sources: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151630/ [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-021-00524-3 [3] https://www.uniprot.org/keywords/KW-0201 [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30272098/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7360064/

Other names

Cytokine signaling pathwaysCytokine-mediated signalingInflammatory signaling cascadesCytokine-receptor interaction

Therapeutic agents modulate these pathways by either neutralizing specific cytokines to prevent receptor binding or by inhibiting intracellular signaling molecules, such as Janus kinases (JAKs), to block downstream signal transduction [5].