Cytokines in immunity and allograft rejection.
Cytokines are highly potent regulatory molecules that are secreted by a variety of cells into the local microenvironment. These chemical messengers participate in the activation and regulation of immune function by a variety of mechanisms, including the stimulation and inhibition of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Cytokines also may have chemotactic activity. Six cytokine receptor families have been described, on the basis of their conserved structural features. Many cytokines are classified as proinflammatory cytokines, which promote both innate and adaptive immune responses. Solid-organ transplantation presents several unique challenges to the immune system, and cytokines play an important role in both antigen-dependent and antigen-independent immune recognition. The selective blockade of cytokine-mediated immune responses is a cornerstone of modern immunosuppressive therapy.
Benjamin
Louis C
LC
Transplantation Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Allan
James S
JS
Madsen
Joren C
JC
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D016207:Cytokines