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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lymphokines and Cytokines?

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Lymphokines and cytokines are both types of cell signaling proteins involved in the immune response, but they have some differences in their production and functions.

Lymphokines:

  • Are a subset of cytokines produced by lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
  • Play a role in directing the immune system response by attracting other immune cells, such as macrophages and other lymphocytes, to an infected site.
  • Help B cells produce antibodies.
  • Examples of lymphokines include Interleukin 2, Interleukin 3, Interleukin 4, Interleukin 5, Interleukin 6, Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and Interferon-gamma.

Cytokines:

  • Are a broad and loose category of small cell signaling proteins produced by various cells, including macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and stromal cells.
  • Regulate inflammation in the body, which is essential for fighting invaders and healing tissue.
  • Can act on the cells that secrete them (autocrine action), on nearby cells (paracrine action), or in some instances on distant cells (endocrine action).
  • Examples of cytokines include monokines (cytokines made by monocytes), chemokines (cytokines with chemotactic activities), and interleukins (cytokines made by one leukocyte and acting on other leukocytes).

In summary, lymphokines are a specific type of cytokine produced by lymphocytes, while cytokines are a broader category of cell signaling proteins involved in various immune responses. Both lymphokines and cytokines play crucial roles in regulating the immune system and inflammation, but they are produced by different cells and have slightly different functions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Lymphokines and Cytokines?
  • Comparative Table: Lymphokines vs Cytokines

    • Comparative Table: Lymphokines vs Cytokines

    Lymphokines and cytokines are both types of cell signaling proteins involved in immune responses and cell communication. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:

    Feature Lymphokines Cytokines
    Definition Lymphokines are a subset of cytokine proteins typically produced by T lymphocytes. Cytokines are a broad and loose category of small cell signaling proteins, including lymphokines, produced by various cell types.
    Producing Cells Mainly produced by T lymphocytes. Produced by a wide range of cells, including macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and stromal cells.
    Size Range 10 to 12 kDa. 5 to 25 kDa.
    Function Important in host responses to infection, inflammation, trauma, sepsis, cancer, and reproduction. Cytokines have a specific effect on the interactions between cells, and they may act on the cells that secrete them (autocrine action), on nearby cells (paracrine action), or in some instances on distant cells (endocrine action).
    Redundancy Cytokines are redundant in their activity, meaning similar functions can be stimulated by different cytokines. Cytokines are often produced in a cascade, as one cytokine stimulates its target cells to make additional cytokines.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.