Inflammatory Cytokines (e.g., Interleukins) (ILs)

Inflammatory cytokines are small, secreted proteins that play a central role in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Interleukins (ILs) are a major subgroup produced primarily by leukocytes, acting as signaling molecules to mediate communication between cells during immune responses. They can be broadly classified into pro-inflammatory (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (e.g., IL-10, IL-13) types. Dysregulation of inflammatory cytokine production is implicated in numerous diseases.

Other names

InterleukinsPro-inflammatory cytokinesAnti-inflammatory cytokines

Binding to specific cell surface receptors (often type I cytokine receptors), triggering intracellular signaling cascades that activate transcription factors such as NF-kB or STATs, leading to changes in gene expression.