Inflammatory Cytokine

Inflammatory cytokines are a subset of cytokines that promote inflammation. They are predominantly produced by T helper (Th) cells and macrophages and act as chemical messengers that stimulate, recruit, activate, and proliferate immune cells at sites of infection or injury. Major inflammatory cytokines include IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, IFNγ, and GM-CSF. While essential for host defense and tissue repair, excessive or chronic production/dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines contributes significantly to pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, atherosclerosis, cancer, and neurological disorders. Therapies for inflammatory diseases often target specific proinflammatory cytokines or their receptors.

Other names

Proinflammatory Cytokine

Neutralization of specific proinflammatory cytokines or blocking their receptors.