<P> Cytokines ( cyto , from Greek `` κύτος '' kytos `` cavity , cell '' + kines , from Greek `` κίνηση '' kinisi `` movement '' ) are a broad and loose category of small proteins ( ~ 5 -- 20 kDa ) that are important in cell signaling . Their release has an effect on the behavior of cells around them . It can be said that cytokines are involved in autocrine signalling , paracrine signalling and endocrine signalling as immunomodulating agents . Their definite distinction from hormones is still part of ongoing research . Cytokines include chemokines , interferons , interleukins , lymphokines , and tumour necrosis factors but generally not hormones or growth factors ( despite some overlap in the terminology ) . Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells , including immune cells like macrophages , B lymphocytes , T lymphocytes and mast cells , as well as endothelial cells , fibroblasts , and various stromal cells ; a given cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell . </P>
<P> Cytokines ( cyto , from Greek `` κύτος '' kytos `` cavity , cell '' + kines , from Greek `` κίνηση '' kinisi `` movement '' ) are a broad and loose category of small proteins ( ~ 5 -- 20 kDa ) that are important in cell signaling . Their release has an effect on the behavior of cells around them . It can be said that cytokines are involved in autocrine signalling , paracrine signalling and endocrine signalling as immunomodulating agents . Their definite distinction from hormones is still part of ongoing research . Cytokines include chemokines , interferons , interleukins , lymphokines , and tumour necrosis factors but generally not hormones or growth factors ( despite some overlap in the terminology ) . Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells , including immune cells like macrophages , B lymphocytes , T lymphocytes and mast cells , as well as endothelial cells , fibroblasts , and various stromal cells ; a given cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell . </P>
what are the main sources of immune system cytokines
what are the main sources of immune system cytokines
macrophages B lymphocytes T lymphocytes mast cells endothelial cells fibroblasts stromal cells
macrophages B lymphocytes T lymphocytes mast cells endothelial cells fibroblasts stromal cells