ABSTRACT
The regulation of cells in the immune system is directly influenced by cytokines, also known as hematopoietic growth factors (HGF). Lymphokines, like interleukins (IL-1-14 except 3) and interferons (α, β, γ), regulate the activation, proliferation, and survival of lymphocytes. The biological activity of the lymphokines is shown in Table 7.1. Most notable of these interleukins is IL-2, which possesses antitumor activity by stimulating cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. IL-4 has also been shown to increase CTL and NK activity, and is presently being tested in combination with IL-2. A B-cell growth factor like IL-6, that has myeloid cell regulatory activity.
