Immune system via secreted cytokines

The immune system via secreted cytokines refers to the complex network of small signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (StatPearls: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538174/). Cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors, are secreted by various immune cells such as macrophages, T-cells, and B-cells to communicate and coordinate responses to pathogens or tissue damage (NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220/). In many diseases, dysregulation of these cytokines leads to chronic inflammation, tissue destruction, or autoimmune disorders (Nature Reviews Immunology: https://www.nature.com/articles/nri.2017.111). Therapeutic intervention often involves the use of biologics or small molecules designed to inhibit specific pro-inflammatory cytokines or their receptors to dampen overactive immune responses (PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29403023/). This broad category encompasses numerous specific drug targets that are critical for managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, though their use requires careful monitoring for immunosuppression-related side effects (NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151640/).

Other names

Cytokine signaling pathwayCytokine-mediated immune responseImmune modulation via cytokines

Modulation of the immune system by neutralizing secreted cytokines, blocking their respective receptors, or inhibiting intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., JAK/STAT) to reduce or enhance immune activity (StatPearls: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538174/).