Answer
Cytokines are molecules--peptides, proteins , glycoproteins-- that modulate cell development, cell differentiation and immune system responses. Interferons (INF-A, INF-B) and interleukins (IL-1, IL-2), are two types of cytokines.
Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is released from macrophages and act on T-cells. The T-cells are stimulated to produce IL-2 which generates of more and more IL-2 receptors . IL-2 acts as a growth factor which promotes the rapid proliferation of activated T-cells.. Activated T-cells secrete several cytokines that accelerate and multiply adaptive ( as well as innate) immune responses.
Work Step by Step
Some well-studied cytokines are Interleukins 1, 2 and 17; Tumor Necrosis Factor; CD4 protein; and interferons alpha, beta and gamma. These cytokines aid immune processes in several ways:
Interferon IL-1, secreted by macrophages (and thymocytes), activates T-cells and costimulates cytolysis.; IL-2 , from several sources (T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages), promotes cytotoxicity, and antibody production; tumor necrosis factor (TNF), from macrophages and T-cells, promotes inflammatory responses; CD4 protein aids in the activation of antigen presenting cells (APCs); in addition, Inteferon gamma (IFNy) helps in APC activation, and in the expression of MHC Class II molecules.