Cytokines

Cytokine is a substance that is made by cells of the immune system. Some cytokines can boost the immune response and others can suppress it. Cytokines can also be made in the laboratory by recombinant DNA technology and used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer.

What are Cytokines?

The term "cytokine" is derived from a combination of two Greek words - "cyto" meaning cell and "kinos" meaning movement. Cytokines are cell signalling molecules that aid cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection and trauma.

Cytokine Effects

Inflammatory Cytokines and Depression

Cytokine Receptors

Cytokine Classification

Cytokine Nomenclature

Latest Cytokines News and Research

Oral lysozyme can restore healthy gut balance and reverse signs of vascular aging

A study reveals that lysozyme (LYZ) plays a pivotal role in age-related blood vessel inflammation by influencing gut bacteria.

8 Jul 2025

ADA2 regulates inflammation through lysosomal and extracellular mechanisms

Adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) plays a critical role in immune regulation, particularly in monocyte differentiation and activation.

7 Jul 2025

New technique aligns stem cells to boost healing power

A new way to grow stem cells may help them release more of the signaling proteins they use to repair tissue, potentially improving future treatments.

4 Jul 2025

Study unveils powerful strategy to rejuvenate effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy against glioblastoma

A team of researchers from the San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET, Milan), led by Nadia Coltella and Luigi Naldini, has unveiled a powerful strategy to rejuvenate the effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy against glioblastoma, one of the most lethal and treatment-resistant brain tumors.

3 Jul 2025

Macrophage-derived lipocalin 2 drives severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms underlying severe pneumonia has remained a major research challenge.

1 Jul 2025

Inflammaging may be a lifestyle phenomenon rather than a universal aging trait

Inflammation, long considered a hallmark of aging, may not be a universal human experience, according to a new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

1 Jul 2025

Researchers link genetic ancestry to severity of dengue fever

For the first time, the extreme variability in dengue fever has been linked to a biological mechanism, potentially opening doors to new treatments and vaccines for the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide.

30 Jun 2025

New study supports non-surgical approach for select cases of acute subdural hematoma

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a common brain lesion resulting from traumatic brain injuries and is associated with high mortality and morbidity.

27 Jun 2025

Do spicy foods help or hurt your gut health?

Capsaicin, the spicy compound in chili peppers, not only influences inflammation, metabolism, and cancer risk but also shapes the gut microbiome in complex, context-dependent ways. This comprehensive review highlights both the therapeutic promise and potential risks of capsaicin, calling for deeper research into its microbiome-mediated effects.

26 Jun 2025

Methylene blue emerges as an adjunct in septic shock

Recent evidence suggests methylene blue may help reduce vasopressor needs and ICU stays in septic shock, but current data do not support replacing standard therapies. Further research is needed to clarify its optimal dosing, timing, and patient selection for best outcomes.

26 Jun 2025

Targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve osteosarcoma outcomes

The complex tumor microenvironment (TME) in osteosarcoma is emerging as a critical factor in disease progression and treatment resistance.

26 Jun 2025

Hot tubs may offer greater health benefits than saunas

Hot tubs and saunas can both soothe aching muscles and provide welcome warmth, but hot tubs might offer greater health benefits.

26 Jun 2025

Common autoimmune drug shown to help patients with giant cell arteritis

A common medication already used for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis is effective for patients with giant cell arteritis, according to findings from a team at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

25 Jun 2025

Gut microbe emerges as a promising tool in the fight against COVID-19

Researchers found that Akkermansia muciniphila boosts lung-specific antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in mice by modulating the gut–lung axis. This commensal gut bacterium shows promise as a potential biomarker and biotherapeutic candidate for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

25 Jun 2025

Study finds nearly double risk of depression and anxiety in autoimmune patients

Living with an autoimmune disease is linked to a near doubling in the risk of persistent mental health issues, such as depression, generalised anxiety, and bipolar disorder, with these risks higher in women than in men, finds a large population-based UK study, published in the open access journal BMJ Mental Health.

25 Jun 2025