Cytokine Functions Quiz

Cytokine Functions

• IL-1 (Interleukin-1): A pro-inflammatory cytokine with additional roles including activating Natural Killer (NK) cells, inducing fever and stress responses, stimulating the production of IL-6 and IL-8, and, in conjunction with IL-6, initiating the differentiation of Th17 cells. It's also down-regulated by IL-4.

IL-2 Function

• IL-2 (Interleukin-2): A cytokine produced by TH1 (CD4) cells and NK cells soon after antigen recognition.
• Key Roles:
  • Increases the production of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-4.
  • Crucial for the growth, survival, and differentiation of T cells.
  • Promotes the proliferation and differentiation of CD8 T cells into cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and memory CTLs.
  • Stimulates T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity.

TH2 Cytokines

• IL-4: Stimulates the differentiation of TH2 cells in response to helminths and allergens, aiding in isotype switching to IgE, and the growth and differentiation of B cells. It also increases MHC II expression and down-regulates inflammatory molecules like TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8. It stimulates alternative macrophage (M2) activation and increases IgE production.

• IL-5: Responsible for eosinophil activation and production, stimulating B cell differentiation into plasma cells, increasing IgM and IgG production, and, with IL-4, increasing IgE production.

• IL-13: Works with IL-4 to stimulate alternative macrophage activation and is required for optimal IgE production (associated with TH2). It has biological activities similar to IL-4.

Test your knowledge on the functions of cytokines, specifically IL-1 and IL-2. This quiz covers their roles in immune responses, including the activation of T cells and production of other important cytokines. Assess your understanding of these vital components in immunology.