Definition:
Cytokines are proteins that give signals to other cells of the body. Cytokines regulate many important bodily functions, including growth, blood cell production and the immune response.
In terms of the immune system, many immune cells (such as lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells, and others) produce cytokines when exposed to outside agents, such as bacteria or viruses, or when stimulated to do so by other cells.
It is believed that the rapid inflammatory response triggered by mast cells is followed by a longer-term process regulated by cytokines. This process can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.
For an in-depth discussion of the role of cytokines in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), see:
