Saturday, August 25, 2018

Cytokines- Its role in Cancer

Cytokines are protein molecules that help in regulating and directing the immune system. Cells release cytokines, which act as messengers to other cells, telling them when and where to launch an immune response. Various types of cytokines are naturally produced by the body. In cancer treatment, the cytokines are synthesized in the lab and are injected in larger doses than the body would normally produce. There are two common cytokines that are used in cancer immunotherapy. They are:
  • Interleukin 2 (IL-2)
  • Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)
The mixture of cytokines that is produced in the cancer microenvironment has an important role in cancer pathogenesis. Cytokines that are released in response to infection, inflammation and immunity can function to inhibit cancer development and progression. Alternatively, cancer cells can respond to host-derived cytokines that promote growth, attenuate apoptosis and facilitate invasion and metastasis.

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is naturally produced by the body to help fight infection and prevent autoimmune diseases. In cancer treatment, IL-2 is designed to target adaptive immune cells, such as T-cells and B-cells, to respond to tumors. IL-2 may help the body produce antigen-fighting T-cells and stimulate B-cells to produce more antibodies.

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is one of several proteins that help the body fend off viruses and bacteria. In cancer treatment, IFN-alpha helps the body generate innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, that are designed to attack unhealthy cells.

Cytokines may stimulate the rapid growth of immune cells, and if left unchecked, they often produce severe side effects, such as depression, flu-like symptoms and profound fatigue. They have been approved to treat circulatory cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, melanoma and bladder and kidney cancers.

For more details, do visit: https://hematology.cmesociety.com/ | https://worldhematology.wordpress.com/

Source:https://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/cytokines/| http://www.sinobiological.com/Role-of-Cytokines-in-cancer.html

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