Cytokines and Immune Mediators (N/A)

Cytokines and immune mediators are a diverse group of small, secreted proteins that act as signaling molecules to regulate the immune system. They mediate communication between cells to coordinate immunity, inflammation, tissue repair, and homeostasis. They are produced by a wide range of immune and non-immune cells and exert their effects by binding to specific cell-surface receptors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that alter gene expression and cellular behavior. Dysregulation of cytokine production or response is implicated in numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways include monoclonal antibodies, recombinant cytokines, and small molecule inhibitors.

Other names

Immunomodulatory factorsSoluble mediatorsInflammatory mediators

Monoclonal antibodies neutralize cytokines or block their receptors; recombinant cytokines enhance immune responses; small molecule inhibitors block intracellular signaling pathways downstream of cytokine receptors; corticosteroids broadly suppress cytokine production.