immune disorders
Innate Immunity
Cytokines
Cytokines are the messengers of the immune system. White blood cells and certain other cells of the immune system produce cytokines when an antigen is detected. There are many different cytokines, which affect different parts of the immune system: Some cytokines stimulate activity. They stimulate certain white blood cells to become more effective killers and to attract other white blood cells to a trouble spot. Other cytokines inhibit activity, helping end an immune response. Some cytokines, called interferons, interfere with the reproduction (replication) of viruses. Cytokines also participate in Acquired Immunity . 