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| Th1 cytokines activate macrophages (MØ) to increase the uptake and degradation of microbes. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is particularly potent in this regard. |
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| Th2 cytokines deactivate MØ, and microbes may multiply within the MØ. IL-10 is particularly potent in this regard. |
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| Click here for description of cell types | |||||
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| Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), also activate endothelial cells and upregulate the number of adhesion molecules on the surface of these cells, fx. selectins and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM)s. These adhesion molecules bind to partner molecules on leucocytes circulating in the blood (Lewis blood type components and integrins). This attracts and eventually immobilises the leucocytes on the endothelial cells and thereby facilitates the emigration of these cells to the inflamed tissue.
Tissue cells engaged in immune reactions, or leucocytes triggered by bacterial products, release chemotactic cytokines: chemokines or intercrines that help to attract the emigrating cells to the area. |
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