Monokine
Encyclopedia
A monokine is a type of cytokine
produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages.
Examples include interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Other monokines include alpha and beta interferon
, and colony stimulating factors.
.
Cytokine
Cytokines are small cell-signaling protein molecules that are secreted by the glial cells of the nervous system and by numerous cells of the immune system and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication...
produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages.
Examples include interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Other monokines include alpha and beta interferon
Interferon
Interferons are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens—such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites—or tumor cells. They allow communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that eradicate pathogens or tumors.IFNs belong to...
, and colony stimulating factors.
Functions
Monokines released from macrophages can attract Neutrophils , via the process chemotaxisChemotaxis
Chemotaxis is the phenomenon in which somatic cells, bacteria, and other single-cell or multicellular organisms direct their movements according to certain chemicals in their environment. This is important for bacteria to find food by swimming towards the highest concentration of food molecules,...
.