Cytokines and Immune Signaling

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to cytokines, their functions, signaling pathways, and immune regulation as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cytokines

Low molecular weight, secreted messenger proteins that regulate immune responses.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cytokine binds to its receptor, leading to a cellular response through amplification and transmission of the signal.

Interleukin (IL)

Cytokines that act between leukocytes; examples include IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6.

Monokines

Cytokines produced by monocytes.

Lymphokines

Cytokines produced by lymphocytes.

Chemokines

Cytokines that direct the movement of immune cells to sites of inflammation or infection.

Colony Stimulating Factors (CSF)

Cytokines that stimulate the growth and differentiation of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Type I Interferons

Cytokines (e.g., IFNα and IFNβ) with antiviral properties produced by virus-infected cells.

TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)

A pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in systemic inflammation.

Gene Transcription

The process of transcribing DNA into mRNA, which leads to protein synthesis in response to cytokine signaling.

Autocrine signaling

A type of cell signaling where a cell targets itself.

Paracrine signaling

Cell signaling where a cell targets nearby cells.

Endocrine signaling

Cell signaling where hormones act on distant cells.

Phosphorylation

A biochemical process that modifies proteins and is crucial for signal transduction.

Receptor Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking the normal action of the receptor.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism whereby the end product of a process inhibits its own production.