Abstract
Cytokines are small molecular weight substances that allow communication between elements of the immune system. Aberrations in the secretion or activity of cytokines or both may be responsible for many immunologically based diseases. The allergic response is an excellent clinical model for the study of immunologic diseases. The production of IgE and the maturation and activation of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils are all controlled by specific cytokines. Use of assays to quantitate cytokine levels, as well as therapeutic uses of recombinant cytokines and cytokine agonists/antagonists, may offer clinical alternatives for the current pharmacologic management of allergic and nonallergic immunologic diseases.
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