Inflammatory signaling mediator

Inflammatory signaling mediators are not a single molecule or receptor but rather a broad class of substances—including cytokines, prostaglandins, histamine, bradykinin, complement proteins, and lipid mediators—that are released by immune and other cells to regulate the inflammatory response[1][2][3][6]. These mediators orchestrate various aspects of inflammation such as increasing blood flow to affected tissues, recruiting immune cells to sites of injury or infection through chemotaxis, inducing fever and pain responses for host defense and tissue repair[1][2]. They can be classified as cell-derived (e.g., cytokines from macrophages) or plasma-derived (e.g., complement proteins)[1][6]. While essential for normal immune function and healing after injury or infection[1], dysregulation or chronic activation of these mediators is implicated in numerous diseases including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Because "Inflammatory signaling mediators" refers to a heterogeneous group rather than a specific molecular target suitable for drug development or biomarker use on its own[1], it is not considered an individual therapeutic target.

Other names

Inflammatory mediatorProinflammatory mediatorChemical mediator of inflammationInflammation signaling molecule