Question

Note several ways that cytokines regulate the immune response, with particular emphasis on mechanisms to slow down or limit the immune response. In your answer, discuss why you think these control features are important and describe a potential therapeutic application of one of the control mechanisms, including possible applications of this potential therapeutic treatment.

Answer 1

Definition of cytokines: Cytokines are small proteins secreted by the cells of the immune system. These proteins affect the behaviour of other cells and are key players in innate and acquired immunity. Cells of the immune system like neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and natural killer cells release cytokines. Cytokines are primarily of three types- Interferons (IFN), Interleukins and Tumour necrosis factor (TNF).

Mechanism of interest: As cytokines also act as endogenous pyrogens, they can induce fever. This is an early innate response to hold the infection. However, sometimes the patient can suffer from something called as the cytokine shock. This types of innate response can for example in the case of Hi-path influenza react negatively where the side effects of the host cell's response can lead to massive vascular leakages proving fatal for the host.

Importance of Control features: Cytokines are sometimes also called as the signalling proteins, for instance, IFN secretions of the virus infected cell signals the nearby cells so that the pre-warned cells can eliminate the virus quickly and effectively.

Potential of this control mechanism in therapeutic applications: Polio, hepatitis or TB antidotes for instance can work on the same principle where the host cells are introduced to the pathogen much before they actually get infected, so that the cells can prepare for a response in case a person really gets affected by the pathogen.