What are the chemical messengers of the immune system called?

Cytokines are the chemical messengers of the immune system that play a crucial role in cell signaling. They are proteins that are secreted by various cells and act on other cells to regulate immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Cytokines include a wide range of molecules such as interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors, each having specific actions and functions in the immune system.

Their ability to modulate the immune response makes them essential in both initiating and regulating the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens and diseases. Understanding cytokines is key for those studying immunology and the functioning of the immune system, especially for laboratory animal technologists who may deal with research involving immune responses in various animals.