Interleukin: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

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
• IL-6: secreted by macrophages, induces acute phase reaction
• IL-7
• etc