title: Mechanisms of cytokine secretion: a portfolio of distinct pathways allows flexibility in cytokine activity.
abstract: Since cytokines are potent immunoregulators that can determine the fate of an immune response, their expression is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. Recent research, however, has also revealed complex post-translational mechanisms through which cytokine secretion, and thereby cytokine activity, is regulated. Here, we review the progress in our understanding of the portfolio of pathways that regulate cytokine intracellular storage, transport, and release. Like other secreted proteins, cytokines utilize canonical and non-canonical secretory pathways for extracellular release. Illustrated by IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-15 secretion as selected examples, we discuss common and alternative cytokine secretion pathways and relate them to the consequences these distinct pathways have for cytokine function, mode of action and stability.
authors: Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Research Center Borstel, D-23845 Borstel, Germany.
authors: Erwin Hans
authors: EH
authors: Duitman
authors: Zane
authors: Z
authors: Orinska
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Bulfone-Paus
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines