title: Cytokine modulation of cell growth and role in tumour therapy.
abstract: Cytokines are a group of secreted proteins which act as intracellular signals co-ordinating the growth and function of cells in the haematopoietic systems. Despite often overlapping functions they appear to have evolved separately but their receptors do share several features suggesting a common ancestor. Taking interleukin 2 (IL2) as an example we discuss the mechanisms involved with the regulation of IL2, the interleukin 2 receptor (IL2R) and their modes of action. Finally we discuss the various aspects of cytokines which allow their use as antitumour agents.
authors.affiliation: Cell and Molecular Biology Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, U.K.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2