Insights into IL-23 biology: From structure to function

Communication among various cell types involved in the immune system is mediated by cytokines. One group of these proteins are interleukins (ILs), small peptide hormones which bind to their specific receptors and control the differentiation, proliferation, migration and apoptosis of the respective target cells. Interleukin dysregulation can cause chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases or neoplastic disorders. Based on sequence homology and receptor chain similarities or functional properties interleukins are grouped into different families [1].
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Survey Source Type: research