The Cytokine Network: Their Role in Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

Lymphocytes, accessory-endothelial-and inflammatory-cells produce a variety of soluble factors termed cytokines. These are regulatory molecules which appear after the immune response at all stages of lymphocyte development. They also have important regulatory influences on other haematopoietic cells. Rapid progress is being made through the use of gene cloned cytokines in understanding the complex interactions of these factors with many different cell types. New factors have been added to the cytokine network, and new functions reported for existing cytokines. The clinical implications in disease and the application of cytokines or their inhibitors in human disorders, cancer, infection and autoimmunity, has met with some success and many trials are currently in progress which should lead to more successful therapeutic strategies.