Interleukin
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Interleukins are a group of cytokines that are expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes, hence the -leukin) as a means of communication (inter-). The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency.
A list of interleukins with function:
- IL-1: secreted by macrophages, induces acute phase reaction
- IL-2: secreted by T cells, stimulates growth and differentiation of T cell response. Can be used in immunotherapy to treat cancer.
- IL-3: secreted by T cells, stimulates bone marrow stem cells.
- IL-4: involved in proliferation of B cells, and the development of T cells and mast cells. Important role in allergic responses.
- IL-5: role in stimulation of B cells, eosinophil production, IgA production
- IL-6: secreted by macrophages, induces acute phase reaction
- IL-7: involved in B, T and NK cell survival, development and homeostasis
- IL-8: Neutrophil chemotaxis
- IL-9: stimulates mast cells
- IL-10: inhibits Th1 cytokine production
- IL-11: acute phase protein production
- IL-12: NK cell stimulation, Th1 cells induction
- IL-13: Stimulates growth and differentiation of B-Cells, inhibits Th1 cells and the production of macrophage inflamatory cytokines
- IL-17: Induces production of inflamatory cytokines
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