Update on cytokines

• Published in: Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 1996-03, Vol.97 (3), p.719-733
• Main Authors: Borish, Larry, Rosenwasser, Lanny J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology - education; Allergy and Immunology - trends; Analysis of the immune response. Humoral and cellular immunity; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cytokines; Education, Medical, Continuing; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; GM-CSF; Granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor; Humans; ICAM; IFN; Immunobiology; Intercellular adhesion molecule; Interferon; LAK; Lymphokine-activated killer; Lymphokines, interleukins ( function, expression); Macrophage inflammatory protein; Major histocompativility complex; MCP; MHC; MIP; Monocyte chemotactic peptide; Natural killer; Regulatory factors and their cellular receptors; TGF; TNF; Transforming growth factor; Tumor necrosis factor; United States
• ISSN: 0091-6749; 1097-6825
• DOI: 10.1016/S0091-6749(96)80146-1

Cytokines that are important in the pathophysiology of allergic disorders are summarized on Table V. The IgE isotype switch results from the activities of IL-4 and IL-13 and is inhibited by IFN-ggg and TGF-β. IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 synergize with IL-4 and IL-13 to enhance IgE secretion. IL-4 is responsible for the differentiation of IL-4-producing lymphocytes, whereas IL-12 inhibits the differentiation of IL-4-producing T cells. IL-5 is the most important eosinophilopoietin, and together with GM-CSF and IL-3, prolongs the survival of and activates mature eosinophils. These three cytokines are responsible for the generation of the hypodense eosinophils which characterize the asthmatic state. Eosinophilia may also result from selective recruitment by the eosinophil chemotactic factors RANTES, MIP-1α, and eotaxin. Mast cell proliferation results from the activities of IL-3, IL-9, IL-10, nerve growth factor, and stem cell factor. Finally, several cytokines contribute to the inflammatory state of allergic disorders. IL-1, TNF, and IFN-γ increase expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules and support the egress of mononuclear cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils into the lungs. Induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 by IL-4 may promote the selective recruitment of eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes. Many cytokines may then contribute to the activation of these leukocytes once they have reached the airways.