Question

The regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) synthesis is one of the most tightly controlled processes of an immune response. Production of IFN-γ is essentially restricted to activated CD4 Th1 T cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells. A new molecule has been added to the very short list of interferon-gamma-inducing cytokines. What is it called?

CXCR4
Mac-1
SDF-1
IL-8
IL-18

Answer 1

The new molecule added to the list of interferon-gamma-inducing cytokines is IL-18. Interferons are a group of cytokines secreted by cells in response to infections, functioning to inhibit viral replication and activate immune responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) synthesis is critical in the immune response, particularly in activated CD4 Th1 T cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells. The new cytokine added to the list of interferon-gamma-inducing cytokines is called IL-18. Interferons, including IFN-γ, function by inhibiting viral replication and have roles in tumor surveillance, as well as activating immune cells like macrophages.

Interferons are part of the cytokines group, which are glycoproteins secreted by various cells and act locally as autocrine or paracrine factors influencing cell differentiation, proliferation, and gene expression to support immune responses. In the context of IFN-γ, it's also pertinent to mention the importance of other immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and regulatory T cells (Treg), which play different roles in modulating and executing the immune response.