Editing Immune system (section)

=== Idiopathic inflammation ===
{{further|Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases}}
Inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection,<ref name=autogenerated2 /> but it can appear without known cause.

Inflammation is produced by [[eicosanoid]]s and [[cytokine]]s, which are released by injured or infected cells. Eicosanoids include [[prostaglandin]]s that produce fever and the [[Vasodilation|dilation of blood vessels]] associated with inflammation, and [[leukotriene]]s that attract certain white blood cells (leukocytes).<ref name=autogenerated4 /><ref name=autogenerated1 /> Common cytokines include [[interleukin]]s that are responsible for communication between white blood cells; [[chemokine]]s that promote [[chemotaxis]]; and [[interferon]]s that have anti-viral effects, such as shutting down [[protein biosynthesis|protein synthesis]] in the host cell.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> [[Growth factor]]s and cytotoxic factors may also be released. These cytokines and other chemicals recruit immune cells to the site of infection and promote healing of any damaged tissue following the removal of pathogens.<ref name=autogenerated5 />