Interleukins

Abstract

Cytokines are polipeptide hormones produced principally by leukocytes in response to both exogenous molecules and endogenous mediators. They bind with extreme specificity and great affinity to receptors on target cells and regulate their proliferation, differentiation and functional activation. Classically, the cytokines were divided into four major groups: Interleukines, interferons, colony stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factors. Interleukins specifically regulate the growth and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes. They play a major role in lymphopoiesis and in controlling immune responsiveness. In particular interleukin-3, seems to function predominantly in the growth, differentiation or activation of non-lymphoid cells. In this review article, the properties and functions of interleukins were discussed.