1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="2fLDXsVHOJ"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/cytokine/">Cytokine</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/cytokine/embed/#?secret=2fLDXsVHOJ" width="600" height="338" title="“Cytokine” — Glossary" data-secret="2fLDXsVHOJ" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular or intracellular mediators in the generation of an immune response, e.g., platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin growth factors (IGFs), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and epidermal growth factor (EGF).Nonantibody proteins secreted by certain cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells. They are a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication.Small but highly potent protein that modulates the activity of many cell types, including T and B cells.Also lymphokine, a broad term for a variety of proteins and neuropeptides that lymphocytes and macrophages use to communicate between themselves, often from long distances. They stimulate organization and antibody responses, seem to induce the bone marrow to proliferate the type of white blood cells needed for immediate resistance, and generate sophistication and finetuning for an overall strategy of resistance. A lymphocyte FAX.Small protein molecules that are the main communication between immune system cells and other tissues. Secreted by immune cells. Both stimulating and suppressing action on lymphocytes and immune response. Include TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which are pro-inflammatory cytokines produced especially by macrophages very early following infection.Proteins or peptides that are released from immune cells and other tissues (notably skeletal muscle and adipose tissue) and are involved in communication between immune cells (especially lymphocytes and phagocytes) and other cells of the body.A large class of glycoproteins similar to lymphokines but produced by nonlymphocytic cells such as normal macrophages, fibroblasts, keratinocytes and a variety of transformed cell lines. They participate in regulating immunological and inflammatory processes, and can contribute to repair processes and to the regulation of normal cell growth and differentiation. Although cytokines are not produced by glands, they are hormone-like in their inter-cellular regulatory functions. They are active at very low concentrations and for the most part appear to function non-specifically. For example, the cytokines stimulate the endothelial cells to express (synthesize and present) P-selectins and E-selectins on the internal surfaces (of blood vessels). These selectins protrude into the bloodstream, which causes passing white blood cells (leukocytes) to adhere to the selectins, then leave the bloodstream by "squeezing" between adjacent endothelial cells. Cytokines are exemplified by the interferons.Powerful chemical substances secreted by cells include lymphokines produced by lymphocytes and monokines produced by monocytes and macrophages.A protein secreted by cells of the lymph system which is involved in controlling response to inflammation.Small peptides that have regulatory properties or hormone-like actions. Cytokines are produced by macrophages, lymphocytes, brain, adipocytes, and other cell types.A generic term for hormonelike peptides produced by various types of cells of the human body in response to an inflammatory stimulus. They are important in the immune response. Examples include interleukins and interferons.A family of protein molecules that carry signals locally between cells. Cytokines are released by cells when activated by antigens, behaving as enhancing mediators for immune response. These proteins include interleukins (produced by leucocytes), lymphokines (produced by lymphocytes), interferons, and tumour necrosis factor, one of whose many functions is killing tumour cells.One of more than 100 distinct proteins produced primarily by white blood cells. They provide signals to regulate immunological aspects of cell growth and function during both inflammation and specific immune response. Each cytokine is secreted by a specific cell in response to a specific stimulus. Cytokines produced by monocytes or macrophages and lymphocytes are called monokines and lymphokines, respectively. Cytokines include the interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, erythropoietin, and colony-stimulating factors. They act by changing the cells that produce them (autocrine effect) and altering other cells close to them (paracrine effect); a few affect cells systemically (endocrine effect).Chemical messenger molecules sometimes thought of as hormones of the immune system that stimulate immune responses.A category of proteins, encompassing interleukins and other variants, which are actively discharged by cells to effectively control the duration and intensity of an immune response, while also facilitating intercellular communication.Cytokines are proteins that are secreted by cells as a response to the presence of harmful organisms, such as viruses. They play a crucial role in the immune system by binding to other cells and stimulating the activation of the immune response. Interferons are an example of cytokines that are involved in the immune defense against viral infections. Through their interaction with target cells, cytokines facilitate communication and coordination among various components of the immune system, promoting a coordinated response to combat invading pathogens.