Cytokines in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases

Cytokines are molecules produced by cells of the immune system that act as messengers and play important roles in normal immune responses, such as inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, an over-activation of the immune system leads to uncontrolled production of cytokines, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. The regulation of cytokine production is therefore an important therapeutic target for many autoimmune diseases. Such treatments have already been developed and used to effectively reduce the symptoms of these diseases in many patients.