Interleukins
Interleukins
Interleukins (pronounced: in-ter-LOO-kins) are a group of cytokines that are produced and released by leukocytes. They are a part of the immune system and play a crucial role in the body's response to disease and infection. The term "interleukin" was derived from "inter-", meaning "between", and "-leukin", meaning "pertaining to leukocytes".
Etymology
The term "interleukin" was first used in the 1970s. It is derived from the Latin "inter-", meaning "between", and "leukin", which is derived from "leukocytes", the white blood cells that produce and release these cytokines.
Function
Interleukins are primarily involved in the communication between different cells in the immune system. They help to regulate the body's response to disease and infection, and play a role in the activation and differentiation of immune cells.
There are currently known to be 38 distinct types of interleukins, each with its own specific function. For example, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is involved in the inflammatory response, while Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is important for the growth and differentiation of T cells.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Interleukins
- Wikipedia's article - Interleukins
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