10 Questions
What are cytokines?
Cytokines are small proteins important in cell signaling that typically interact with specific cytokine receptors on the target cell surface.
How do cytokines exert their functions?
Cytokines cannot cross the lipid bilayer of cells to enter the cytoplasm, so they typically exert their functions by interacting with specific cytokine receptors on the target cell surface.
What types of signaling are cytokines involved in?
Cytokines are involved in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling as immunomodulating agents.
Which cells produce cytokines?
Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells like macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and mast cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various stromal cells.
What is the role of cytokines in the immune system?
Cytokines are especially important in the immune system as they modulate the immune response through cell surface receptors.
What is the main function of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway?
Regulating processes such as immunity and cell division
Which proteins are the key parts of JAK-STAT signaling?
Janus kinases (JAKs), signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs), and receptors
What may result from disrupted JAK-STAT signaling?
Skin conditions, cancers, and disorders affecting the immune system
How many JAK proteins are there?
Four: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2
What domains are present in JAK proteins?
FERM, SH2-related, kinase, and pseudokinase domains
Study Notes
Cytokines Overview
- Cytokines are small proteins (~5–25 kDa) that play a crucial role in cell signaling.
Functions and Signaling
- Cytokines cannot cross the lipid bilayer of cells to enter the cytoplasm, so they exert their functions by interacting with specific cytokine receptors on the target cell surface.
- Cytokines are involved in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling as immunomodulating agents.
Types of Cytokines
- Cytokines include chemokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphokines, and tumour necrosis factors.
- Note: Hormones and growth factors are not generally considered cytokines, despite some overlap in terminology.
Production and Cells
- Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including:
- Immune cells (macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and mast cells)
- Endothelial cells
- Fibroblasts
- Various stromal cells
- A given cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell.
Importance in the Immune System
- Cytokines act through cell surface receptors and are especially important in the immune system.
- Cytokines modulate the immune response.
Test your knowledge of cytokines with this quiz. Learn about the role of cytokines in cell signaling, their interactions with cytokine receptors, and their involvement in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling pathways.
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