Inflammatory cytokines and related proteins

Inflammatory cytokines and related proteins are a diverse group of small signaling proteins, such as interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors, that are secreted by immune cells to mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation (StatPearls, 2023). These proteins act through high-affinity cell surface receptors to initiate intracellular signaling cascades, including the JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathways, which drive the expression of genes involved in the immune response (PubMed, PMID: 28135918). Dysregulation or chronic overproduction of these cytokines is central to the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis (NIH, 2021). Therapeutic strategies often utilize monoclonal antibodies or soluble receptors to neutralize specific cytokines or block their receptors, effectively dampening the inflammatory process (PubChem). Common examples of drugs in this space include TNF inhibitors like adalimumab and IL-6 inhibitors like tocilizumab, which have revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, because this term encompasses a broad functional class of hundreds of distinct proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a group rather than a specific therapeutic target (UniProt). Monitoring efficacy often involves measuring systemic markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein or specific cytokine levels in the blood. Safety concerns associated with targeting these proteins primarily involve an increased risk of serious infections due to the suppression of the host's normal immune defenses.

Other names

Pro-inflammatory cytokinesInflammatory mediatorsCytokine networkInflammatory cytokine familyProinflammatory cytokines

Monoclonal antibodies or decoy receptors bind to and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines, or block their cognate receptors, thereby preventing downstream intracellular signaling and reducing the inflammatory response.