Editing Cytokine (section)

== Nomenclature ==
Cytokines have been classed as [[lymphokine]]s, [[interleukin]]s, and [[chemokine]]s, based on their presumed cell of secretion, function, or target of action. Because cytokines are characterised by considerable redundancy and [[Pleiotropy|pleiotropism]], such distinctions, allowing for exceptions, are obsolete.

* The term ''interleukin'' was initially used by researchers for those cytokines whose presumed targets are principally [[white blood cell]]s (leukocytes). It is now used largely for designation of newer cytokine molecules and bears little relation to their presumed function. The vast majority of these are produced by [[T-helper cell]]s.
* ''Lymphokines'': produced by lymphocytes
* ''Monokines'': produced exclusively by [[monocytes]]
* ''Interferons'': involved in antiviral responses
* ''[[Colony stimulating factors]]'': support the growth of cells in semisolid media
* ''Chemokines'': mediate chemoattraction ([[chemotaxis]]) between cells.