Action of cytokines released during the acute phase response to infection
| Cytokine | Actions |
|---|---|
| IL-1 | Increase in T lymphocyte (TL) and B lymphocyte (BL) proliferation; IL-2 receptor expression; activation of natural killer cells (NK); increase in expression of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase; endogenous pyrogen production; action on central nervous system and endocrine system |
| IL-2 | Stimulation of TL proliferation and differentiation; increase in cytolytic action of NK; stimulation of killer cell proliferation and antibody release by BL |
| IL-6 | Stimulation of haemopoietic cell maturation and BL/TL proliferation and differentation; increase in acute phase protein production by hepatocytes; endogenous pyrogen production |
| IL-7 | Stimulation of BL/TL proliferation; increase in monocyte and macrophage action |
| IL-8 | Chemotactic action for neutrophils, TL, and basophils; increase in lysosomal enzyme release by neutrophils; stimulation of neutrophil and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, and LTB4 release by neutrophils |
| IL-10 | Chemotactic action for monocytes and TL; increase in TL adhesion to endothelial cells |
| IL-12 | Increase in CTL, NK, and macrophage cytolytic action; increase in haemopoietic cell, NK, and TL proliferation; increase in IFN-γ production by TL; inhibition of IgE production by BL |
| TNF-α | Increase in expression of growth factors, cytokines, cellular receptors, acute phase proteins; endogenous pyrogen production |
| IFN-γ | Increase in expression of MHC class I and class II on the surface of macrophages; antitumour and antiviral action; stimulation of macrophage action |
| LTC4 | Increase in vessel permeability and slowing of microcirculation blood flow; increase in endothelial adhesion of neutrophils; inhibition of cellular turnover |
| PAF | Platelet activation |
IL, interleukin; TNF, tumour necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; LTC4, leukotriene C4; PAF, platelet activating factor; LTB4, leukotriene B4; CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes.