Factores solubles del sistema inmune: clasificación y mecanismos de acción

Abstract

Cytokines and growth factors are key molecules that act on immune system cells and other cell types, intervening in a wide variety of functions such as differentiation, proliferation, activation, suppression, survival, or apoptosis. The manner in which they are regulated has repercussions on cellular responses and, as a consequence, on the appropriate or inappropriate behavior of the immune system. Therefore, they have the potential to cause serious pathological abnormalities. This brief review will analyze in a simple way the classification and description of the basic behavioral mechanisms of some of the most relevant cytokines and soluble factors involved in the communication and response of the cells that form the immune system. The use of biologic drugs such as immunotherapy to regulate the behavior of cytokines and growth factors in different inflammatory diseases, infections, autoimmunity, or cancer is growing every day. Knowledge of the complex, distinct mechanisms that underlie the behavior of cytokines helps in understanding their involvement in these diseases, why they are therapeutic targets, and how new biologic therapies work.