Immune cell cytokine release

Immune cell cytokine release is a physiological process involving the secretion of signaling proteins by leukocytes, such as T cells and macrophages, to coordinate immune responses (Source: NIH). This phenomenon is not a single molecular target but a complex cascade involving numerous cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors (Source: StatPearls). While essential for host defense, dysregulated or excessive release can lead to "cytokine storms" or Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which are characterized by systemic inflammation and potential multi-organ failure (Source: Nature Reviews Rheumatology). Therapeutic intervention typically involves targeting specific components of this process, such as individual cytokines or their receptors, to mitigate pathological inflammation (Source: PubMed). Consequently, drugs like tocilizumab or infliximab are used to manage conditions where this process becomes life-threatening, such as in severe infections or as a side effect of advanced immunotherapies (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).

Other names

Cytokine secretionCytokine productionCytokine stormCytokine release syndromeCytokine release assay

Antagonism of cytokine receptors or neutralization of soluble cytokines to prevent downstream inflammatory signaling.