Cytokine

A small signaling protein that regulates immune responses and other cellular activities by binding to receptors on target cells.

Cytokine receptor: A cell-surface or intracellular protein that binds a cytokine and initiates a cellular response. Receptor binding is the step that lets a cytokine alter a target cell.
Interleukin: A cytokine that mediates communication among immune and other cells. Interleukins are a broad family of immune-regulating cytokines.
Tocilizumab: A monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 receptor. It treats inflammatory diseases by interrupting an interleukin signal.
Inflammation: A tissue response to harmful stimuli involving immune activity and changes in blood flow. Cytokines coordinate many of the signals that initiate and sustain inflammation.
Hormone: A signaling molecule released by endocrine cells that acts on cells bearing its receptor. Hormones and cytokines can share signaling logic but differ in typical sources and roles.
JAK-STAT signaling pathway: A signal-transduction pathway in which Janus kinases activate STAT transcription factors. Many cytokine receptors use this pathway to change gene expression.
Interferon: A cytokine family that helps coordinate antiviral defense and immune regulation. Interferons illustrate cytokines' role in responding to infection.
Infliximab: A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes tumor necrosis factor alpha. It demonstrates how blocking a cytokine can treat chronic inflammation.
Hematopoiesis: The process by which blood cells are formed from hematopoietic stem cells. Cytokines influence the production and maturation of blood cells.
Growth factor: A signaling protein that promotes cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, or survival. Growth factors overlap with cytokines but are often discussed by their effects on cell growth.

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