What are monokines and lymphokines?

Monokines and lymphokines are types of cytokines, which are small proteins that are secreted by immune cells and act as messengers in the immune system. Monokines are produced by monocytes and macrophages, while lymphokines are produced by lymphocytes.

Monokines

Monokines are involved in a variety of immune responses, including inflammation, fever, and tissue repair. Some of the most important monokines include:

* Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): TNF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in the regulation of apoptosis (cell death).

* Interleukin-1 (IL-1): IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in the regulation of fever and inflammation.

* Interleukin-6 (IL-6): IL-6 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in the regulation of tissue repair.

Lymphokines

Lymphokines are involved in a variety of immune responses, including cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and immune regulation. Some of the most important lymphokines include:

* Interleukin-2 (IL-2): IL-2 is a growth factor for T cells and is essential for the activation of cell-mediated immunity.

* Interleukin-4 (IL-4): IL-4 is a growth factor for B cells and is essential for the activation of humoral immunity.

* Interleukin-10 (IL-10): IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in the regulation of immune responses.

Monokines and lymphokines are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They play a role in a variety of immune responses, including inflammation, fever, tissue repair, cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and immune regulation.