Interleukins are a group of cytokines that are expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes, hence the -leukin) as a means of communication (inter-). 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
