Important cytokines in regulation of the immune response

Important cytokines in regulation of the immune response

Cytokine

Source

Actions

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ)

T cells and NK cells

Antiviral activity.

Stimulates activation of NK cells, CD8+ T cells and macrophages

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)

Macrophages and monocytes

Pro-inflammatory

Increases apoptosis and expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules. Directly cytotoxic.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1)

Macrophages and neutrophils

Acute phase reactant

Stimulates neutrophil recruitment, fever, T cell and macrophage activation, immunoglobulin production

Interleukin-2 (IL-2)

CD4+ T cells

Stimulates proliferation and differentiation of antigen- T lymphocytes

Interleukin-4 (IL-4)

CD4+ T cells and mast cells

Stimulates maturation of B and T cells, and production of IgE antibody

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Monocytes and macrophages

Acute phase reactant

Stimulates maturation of B cells into plasma cells

Interleukin-12 (IL-12)

Monocytes and macrophages

Stimulates IFNγ and TNFα release by T cells, activates NK cells