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Interleukins are a group of cytokines (secreted signaling molecules) that were first seen to be expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes, hence the -leukin) as a means of communication (inter-). The name is something of a relic though; it has since been found that interleukins are produced by a wide variety of bodily cells. The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency.

A list of interleukins with function:

• IL-1: secreted by macrophages, induces acute phase reaction
• IL-2: secreted by T cells, stimulates growth and differentiation of T cell response. Can be used in immunotherapy to treat cancer.
• IL-3: secreted by T cells, stimulates bone marrow stem cells.
• IL-4: involved in proliferation of B cells, and the development of T cells and mast cells. Important role in allergic responses.
• IL-5: role in stimulation of B cells, eosinophil production, IgA production
• IL-6: secreted by macrophages, induces acute phase reaction
• IL-7: involved in B, T and NK cell survival, development and homeostasis
• IL-8: Neutrophil chemotaxis
• IL-9: stimulates mast cells
• IL-10: inhibits Th1 cytokine production
• IL-11: acute phase protein production
• IL-12: NK cell stimulation, Th1 cells induction
• IL-13: Stimulates growth and differentiation of B-Cells, inhibits Th1 cells and the production of macrophage inflammatory cytokines
• IL-17: Induces production of inflammatory cytokines
• IL-18: Induces production of Interferon-Gamma (IFNy)
• IL-23: Increases angiogenesis but reduces CD8 T-cell infiltration

[edit] Links

• [| HGNC Gene Family Nomenclature: Interleukin and Interleukin Receptor Gene Symbols]

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