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Cell Communication: Cytokines definitions Flashcards

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Cell Communication: Cytokines definitions
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  • Cytokines

    Soluble proteins that act as communication signals between cells, regulating immune responses and inducing cellular changes.
  • Chemokines

    Cytokines involved in chemotaxis, guiding immune cells to infection sites by signaling movement towards or away from chemical signals.
  • Colony Stimulating Factors

    Cytokines that stimulate growth and differentiation of immature leukocytes in the bone marrow.
  • Interferons

    Cytokines providing antiviral defenses to neighboring cells, enhancing their ability to resist viral infections.
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors

    Cytokines that initiate inflammation and can induce apoptosis in infected cells, originally known for killing tumor cells.
  • Interleukins

    Cytokines serving as communication molecules between leukocytes, with diverse functions including promoting inflammation and T cell proliferation.
  • IL-1

    Interleukin that promotes inflammation, fever, and activation of macrophages and T cells.
  • IL-2

    Interleukin that promotes rapid T cell proliferation, enhancing immune response.
  • IL-4

    Interleukin important for promoting antibody immune response, crucial for adaptive immunity.
  • IL-6

    Interleukin that promotes inflammation, fever, and proliferation of T and B cells.
  • Chemotaxis

    Process involving movement of cells towards or away from chemical signals, guided by chemokines.
  • Apoptosis

    Programmed cell death initiated by cytokines like tumor necrosis factors in infected cells.
  • Leukocytes

    White blood cells involved in immune responses, communication facilitated by interleukins.
  • Adaptive Immunity

    Immune response involving antibodies, promoted by interleukins like IL-4.
  • Phagocytic Cells

    Cells recruited by cytokines to engulf and digest microbes and cellular debris.