Review: nomenclature and biologic significance of cytokines involved in inflammation and the host immune response.

This is a brief review of 42 cytokines and interleukins that are involved inflammatory and immune responses. The cytokines are listed in tables organized as hematopoietic growth factors, interferons, lymphokines, monokines, chemokines, and other cytokines. Information on each cytokine includes the most commonly used abbreviations, the former or alternative names and abbreviations of the cytokines, the cells that form the major sources of production of the cytokines, the major biologic actions of the cytokines, and references to recent reviews or primary literature. Minor biologic actions and minor cellular sources of the cytokines may not be listed. This review should be useful as a quick reference guide to the cytokines and interleukins.