CYTOKINES
Cytokines are a broad category of small proteins or glycoproteins that act as signalling molecules in the immune system. They are secreted by immune cells and other cells in response to various stimuli, such as infection, injury, or inflammation.
CHEMOKINES
Chemokines are a subset of cytokines specifically involved in directing the migration and movement of cells, particularly immune cells. The name "chemokine" is derived from "chemotactic cytokine".
Certainly! Here's a table
highlighting the key differences between cytokines and chemokines:
|
Characteristic |
Cytokines |
Chemokines |
|
Definition |
A broad category of small proteins or
glycoproteins is involved in cell signalling, particularly in the immune
system. |
A subset of cytokines specifically involved
in directing the migration and movement of cells, especially immune cells. |
|
Function |
Cell communication, inflammation regulation,
cell proliferation and differentiation, immune response modulation. |
Cell recruitment, directing migration of
immune cells, cell activation, immune surveillance, and maintaining immune
system homeostasis. |
|
Examples |
Interferons, interleukins, tumour necrosis
factor (TNF), and colony-stimulating factors. |
Interleukin-8 (CXCL8), RANTES (CCL5), MCP-1
(CCL2). |
|
Role in Inflammation |
Regulate the duration and intensity of
inflammation; some are pro-inflammatory, while others are anti-inflammatory. |
Attract immune cells to sites of infection or
injury; actively participate in the inflammatory response. |
|
Cellular Targets |
Act on a broad range of cells, including
immune cells, epithelial cells, and others. |
Primarily act on immune cells, guiding their
movement and activation. |
|
Locations |
Secreted by various cells in response to
infection, injury, or inflammation. |
Released at sites of infection, inflammation,
or tissue damage to attract immune cells to those locations. |
|
Chemotactic Activity |
Generally less specific in terms of guiding
cell migration. |
Highly specific in guiding the migration of
immune cells to particular sites. |
|
Regulation of Immune System |
Involved in the regulation of the overall
immune response and immune system balance. |
Primarily involved in directing the movement
of immune cells to maintain immune system homeostasis. |
|
Examples of Diseases |
Involved in various autoimmune diseases and
inflammatory conditions. |
Implicated in diseases with abnormal cell
migration, such as chronic inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. |
This table provides a concise overview of the
key distinctions between cytokines and chemokines. Keep in mind that these
molecules often work together in complex ways to regulate immune responses and
maintain overall health.