What are cytokines?

Cytokines are indeed intercellular communication molecules. They are small proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling and are produced by a variety of cells in the immune system. Cytokines facilitate communication between cells, influencing and regulating immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cellular components). They can stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation or infection and help modulate the activity of other immune cells.

In the context of the immune system, cytokines include a variety of signaling molecules such as interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors. The ability of cytokines to act on different cells helps coordinate the body's response to challenges like infections or tissue injury, making them essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to external stimuli. The functional diversity of cytokines is critical for the adaptive and innate immune responses.