Here we will examine the major cytokines currently in use or under evaluation for cancer therapy: interferon alfa, IL-2, GM-CSF, and interleukin-12 (IL-12).
The same cytokine may have different effects in different circumstances. (This is called ' pleotropy '). See below chart for key functions of significant cytokines.
Pathophysiology of systemic and chronic inflammatory imbalances in the body, inflammatory cytokines and their contribution to chronic diseases, clinical nutrition...
The roles and functions of cytokines are confusing and still being sorted out. Over three dozen have been identified with more being discovered each day.