| Popis: |
Cytokines are a family of small proteins that are important for the orchestration of the host inflammatory response to infections. They are produced by a large variety of cells, including leukocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells and fibroblasts upon stimulation by various immunologic and infectious stimuli. Cytokines interact in a complex network in which they can influence each other’s production and function. The cytokine family consists of pro-inflammatory cytokines, of which tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1 are best known, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10. IL-12 and IL-18 are cytokines with pro-inflammatory properties. They share many biological activities, and synergistically induce the production of interferon (IFN)-γ. IL-12 and IL-18 have been implicated as important mediators in the host immune response during systemic and local infections by bacteria, intracellular pathogens like mycobacteria, viruses, and parasites. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of IL-12 and IL-18, and their interactions during sepsis and endotoxemia, and during bacterial infections. |
