Interleukin

Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines (secreted proteins and signal molecules) that are expressed and secreted by white blood cells (leukocytes) as well as some other body cells. The human genome encodes more than 50 interleukins and related proteins.[1]

The function of the immune system primarily depends on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency. The majority of interleukins are synthesized by CD4 helper T-lymphocytes, as well as through monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. They promote the development and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, and hematopoietic cells.

Interleukin receptors on astrocytes in the hippocampus are also known to be involved in the development of spatial memories in mice.[2]

  1. ^ Brocker C, Thompson D, Matsumoto A, Nebert DW, Vasiliou V (Oct 2010). "Evolutionary divergence and functions of the human interleukin (IL) gene family". Human Genomics. 5 (1): 30–55. doi:10.1186/1479-7364-5-1-30. PMC 3390169. PMID 21106488.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference pmid21093580 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).