title: Interpreting mixed signals: the cell's cytokine conundrum.
abstract: Cytokines are essential for the activation, differentiation and control of the immune system. Many cytokines, alone or in combination with other cytokines, have multiple functions and can often act on many different cell types with distinct developmental or functional consequences. Despite the myriad of cytokines and cytokine receptors, there are relatively few signaling molecules that transduce these diverse cytokine signals. In this review, we will discuss the potential mechanisms used by cytokines to mediate distinct cellular outcomes from a small number of signaling molecules. Understanding this paradigm in cytokine signaling can aid in the development of potential therapeutic approaches involving cytokine targeting or use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
authors.forename: Greg M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Delgoffe
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Dario A A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Vignali
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D053612:Janus Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors; D053612:Janus Kinases