Interleukins

What are Interleukins?

Interleukins are a group of cytokines which are synthesized by lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and certain other cells. They function especially in regulation of the immune system.

Interleukins have a variety of functions, but most are involved in directing other immune cells to divide and differentiate.

Interleukin Function
The term ‘interleukin’ (IL) has been used to describe a group of cytokines with complex immunomodulatory functions – including cell proliferation, maturation, migration and adhesion. These cytokines also play an important role in immune cell differentiation and activation.

They include interleukin-1, interleukin-8, and TNF α, which attract neutrophils, and interleukin-10, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukins are produced by various cells in the body, such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, T and B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells.

Interferons are glycoproteins produced by a wide variety of cells in response to infection. Interleukins are a group of cytokines that play crucial roles in proliferation, activation, maturation, and differentiation of immune cells.

Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines (secreted proteins and signal molecules) that are expressed and secreted by white blood cells (leukocytes) as well as some other body cells. The human genome encodes more than 50 interleukins and related proteins.