- Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells and act as intercellular-signaling “messengers” by acting on specific receptors, mostly on a local level.
- All cells can secrete them but inflammatory cells (such as T helper lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages)) secrete more and can act as mediators of inflammation, infection, immune responses and cancer – more specifically by affecting the behavior of target cells.
- Indeed the stimulation of a receptor activates an intracellular cascade of events, thus regulating genes (transcription).
- Examples of cytokines include Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), interferons (IFN) and the Interleukin Family (Il).
- Cytokine secretion is the object of intense study in conditions such as Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis. This has led to the development of the biologics, which taget cytokines or their receptors Ciclosporin is a treatment used in atopic dermatitis and targets Il-2.
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Cytokines (protein)
About Dr Christophe HSU
Dr HSU is an internationally seasoned dermatologist who has lived as an expatriate and who therefore understands the difficulty in finding a like-minded healthcare provider in a sometimes intimidating environment. [(dermatologue) in French]
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