cytokines
Immune system messengers
Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that regulate immune responses and inflammation.
They act as chemical messengers, signaling between cells to coordinate the body's defense against infection or injury.
Different cytokines can activate, suppress, or direct immune cells.
A cytokine storm—when the body releases too many cytokines at once—can cause dangerous, runaway inflammation.
Thymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- leukocytesImmune cells in blood
monocytes · innate immunity · immunosuppression · immunostimulation · inflammatory response · anti-inflammatory · proinflammatory · IL-6
Immune cell signaling proteins
- interferonsAntiviral signaling proteins
- growth factorsProteins stimulating cell proliferation
- IL-6Pro-inflammatory immune cytokine
- G-CSFNeutrophil production hormone
Signal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
Rapid-onset tissue response
- chronic inflammationPersistent immune response in tissues
- feverElevated body temperature
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
pain · arthritis · autoimmunity · allergy · asthma · sepsis · tissue damage · wound healing
Engineered protein from cloned cells
- biologicLiving-organism-derived drug
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
- biosimilarFollow-on biological medicine
- targeted therapyTreatment hitting specific molecules
Measurable biological health signal
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
- in vitroIn an artificial environment
- in vivoWithin living tissue
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
T-cells
Thymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
leukocytes · monocytes · innate immunity · immunosuppression · immunostimulation · inflammatory response · anti-inflammatory · proinflammatory · IL-6 · hematopoiesis
interleukins
Immune cell signaling proteins
- interferonsAntiviral signaling proteins
- growth factorsProteins stimulating cell proliferation
- IL-6Pro-inflammatory immune cytokine
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
phosphorylation · kinase · gene expression · downstream · upstream
acute inflammation
Rapid-onset tissue response
- chronic inflammationPersistent immune response in tissues
- feverElevated body temperature
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
redness · pain · arthritis · autoimmunity · allergy · asthma · sepsis · tissue damage · wound healing · fibrosis
monoclonal antibody
Engineered protein from cloned cells
- biologicLiving-organism-derived drug
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
- biosimilarFollow-on biological medicine
biomarker
Measurable biological health signal
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
- in vitroIn an artificial environment
- in vivoWithin living tissue
- allergiesallergy, allergies, allergen, allergens, allergist
- vaccinationvaccine, vaccines, immunization, shot, shots
- cell biologycell membrane, cell division, ribosome, mitochondria, nucleus
- immunityimmune, immunity, immune system, immune response, immune cells
- pharmaceuticalsanalgesics, medicines, anesthetics, pills, acetaminophen
- inflammationacute inflammation, chronic inflammation, pain, heat, swelling
cytokinesantibodies
Proteins targeting pathogens
immunoglobulins · complement proteins · enzymes · hormones · neurotransmitters
- cytokine stormExcessive immune signaling crisis