Important Interleukins

Interleukin Origin Biological activities

IL-1 Monocytesmacrophages

and dendritic

cells

IL-1a and IL-1B proinflammatory cytokines involved in immune defense

against infection

- IL-1a remains w/in the cells; released after cell death

- IL-1B responsible for most systematic activity (fever, activation of

phagocytes, and ACP production)

IL1RA cytokine inhibitor/antagonist; competes for receptor binding with IL-1a

and IL-1B, blocking their role in immune activation

Principal function: mediator of host inflammatory response to infections and other

inflammatory stimuli

These cytokines increase the expression of adhesion factors on endothelial cells

to enable transmigration of leukocytes to sites of infection and reset the

hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, leading to increased body

temperature (fever), which helps the immune system fight infection.

IL-2 Helper T cells Formerly: T-cell growth factor

Has high capacity to induce activation of almost all clones of cytotoxic cells.

Increases cytotoxic functions (lysis) of T killer and NK cells; promotes production

of perforins and IFN-γ by these cells.

Activates monocytes-macrophages to synthesize and secrete TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6,

IL-8, G-CSF, and GM-CSF.

IL-4 T cells, mast

cells

Key cytokines regulating Th2 immune activity key regulator in humoral and

adaptive immunity.

Induces differentiation of naive helper T cells (Th0 cells) to Th2 cells. On

activation by IL-4, Th2 cells subsequently produce additional IL-4. Cell that

initially produces IL-4 and induces Th0 differentiation has not been identified.

Early activation of resting B cells—upregulates MHC class II production (induces

HLA-DR molecules on B cells, macrophages) and governs B cell isotype

switching to IgG1 and IgE

IL-5 Helper T cells

type 2 (Th2)

and mast

cells

Principal function activate eosinophils and serve as link between T cell

activation and eosinophilic inflammation.

Stimulates growth and differentiation of eosinophils and activates mature

eosinophils (IL-5 expressed on eosinophils).

Growth and differentiation–inducing factor for activated T and B cells; induces

class-specific B cell differentiation (IgA production)

IL-6 Macrophages,

T cells,

osteoblast

Produced by both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cell types

Pleiotropic

Functions in innate immunity and adaptive immunity; in the latter, stimulates

growth of B cells that have differentiated into antibody producers. IL-1, TNF, and

IL-6 appear to be major factors that induce the acute-phase response

IL-10 Monocytes,

Th2 cells, B

cells, CD8+ T

cells,

Primarily inhibitory effects on the immune system anti-inflammatory and

suppressive effects on Th1 cells

Inhibits activated macrophages; displays potent abilities to suppress

antigenpresenting capacity of APCs.

Released by cytotoxic T (Tc) cells to inhibit the actions of NK cells during

immune response to viral infection.

IL-10 is stimulatory toward certain T cells, mast cells, and B cells. It can

downregulate the synthesis of other ILs.

Antagonist to IFN-y

IL-12 B cells,

macrophages

NK stimulatory factor

Although it shares functional properties of enhancing cytotoxic function of NK