Pro-inflammatory cytokine

A proinflammatory cytokine or more simply an inflammatory cytokine is a type of signaling molecule (a cytokine) that is excreted from immune cells like helper T cells (Th) and macrophages, and certain other cell types that promote inflammation. They include interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-12, and IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and play an important role in mediating the innate immune response. Inflammatory cytokines are predominately produced by and involved in the upregulation of inflammatory reactions.

Excessive chronic production of inflammatory cytokines contribute to inflammatory diseases, that have been linked to different diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Dysregulation has also been linked to depression and other neurological diseases. A balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is necessary to maintain health. Aging and exercise also play a role in the amount of inflammation from the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Therapies to treat inflammatory diseases include monoclonal antibodies that either neutralize inflammatory cytokines or their receptors.

A proinflammatory cytokine or an inflammatory cytokine is a type of cytokine (signaling molecule) that is excreted from immune cells and certain other cell types that promotes inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines are predominately produced by helper T cells (Th) and macrophages and involved in the upregulation of inflammatory reactions. Therapies to treat inflammatory diseases include monoclonal antibodies that either neutralize inflammatory cytokines or their receptors.

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