Pro-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Cytokines (Group: TNF, IL-1B, IL-4, IL-6, IFNG, IL-17A) (Not applicable)

This entry represents a collective group of six distinct cytokines that are fundamental to the human immune system: Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 4 (IL-4), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), and Interleukin 17A (IL-17A). TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A are predominantly pro-inflammatory mediators that drive the pathogenesis of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis (UniProt: P01375, P01584, P05231, Q16552). IFN-γ is the primary Type II interferon, essential for Th1-mediated immunity and macrophage activation, while IL-4 is a key regulator of Th2 responses and allergic inflammation (UniProt: P01579, P05112). Due to their central roles in immune orchestration, these molecules are highly successful therapeutic targets. Modern biologics, primarily monoclonal antibodies like Adalimumab, Tocilizumab, and Secukinumab, are designed to neutralize these specific proteins or their receptors to manage systemic inflammation and tissue damage.

Other names

Cytokine panelInflammatory cytokinesTh1/Th2/Th17 cytokinesImmune mediators

Therapeutic agents typically utilize monoclonal antibodies or soluble decoy receptors to neutralize the circulating cytokine or competitively block its cognate cell-surface receptor, thereby inhibiting downstream intracellular signaling cascades such as the JAK-STAT, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways (StatPearls: Cytokine Antagonists).