Secretion of cytokines and modulation of function of immunologically competent cells.
Cytokines and their effects are widely studied in immunology, but the cellular mechanisms responsible for producing these substances are not yet described or proven. Antigen presenting cells (APCs), macrophages and dendritic cells are suitable subjects for such a study. One of the many papers illustrating the interplay between phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, and cell adhesion is one by Kitajima et al. The intracellular processes involve both cytokine secretion and mobilization of the membrane system of the cell. Five pieces of evidence are presented to propose that the Golgi complex is the source both of the membrane translocated and cytokine production. Morphologic evidence is cited that reverse pinicytosis does not play a significant role in the mouse macrophage system.
Fedorko
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D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice
D016207:Cytokines