Interleukins are proteins produced by the body that activate immune responses against infections. They are used in fighting certain cancers and diseases, but can cause side effects. Overactive immune systems can cause autoimmune diseases due to a breakdown in communication.
Interleukins are natural proteins produced by the body that help the body’s immune system. They are not stored within the body’s cells, but are secreted when a stimulation occurs, such as an infection. While dozens of interleukins and their effects have been identified, scientists believe there are many more yet to be found. The different types of interleukins are responsible for activating an assortment of immune responses against infections, including pain, fever, inflammation, allergic reactions, and cell regeneration.
As part of the cytokine family of cell signaling molecules, interleukins have an important role in the immune system, but do not actively create the immune response. Instead, they serve as messengers, passing the word between cells, particularly white blood cells, to let them know that their services are needed. The appropriate cells then go to work.
The role of interleukins within the immune system has led to their use in fighting certain cancers and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. While the body produces a relatively small amount of interleukins, scientists have figured out how to reproduce them in the laboratory, making larger amounts readily available for medicinal purposes. When administered, these high-dose interleukins stimulate healthy cells to redouble their efforts in fighting cancerous cells and other threats to the body. Biological therapy with interleukins can also help rebuild an immune system virtually destroyed by the sometimes harsh treatments needed to destroy cancerous tumors.
Side effects of interleukin therapy can include very low blood pressure, swelling, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting. Bruising and bleeding can also occur more easily. Side effects are usually short-lived and rarely persist after treatment has ended, although the severity of side effects may lead some patients to require hospitalization during treatment.
While interleukin therapy that boosts the immune system into overdrive can have major health benefits in some situations, an overactive immune system is thought to be the culprit for autoimmune diseases including lupus, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. Such diseases are believed to be caused by a breakdown in communication. Another part of the body’s immune system composition – suppressor T cells – is meant to signal the end of fighting once the body has won, and interleukins are key to getting the word out. Problems can arise, however, when the appropriate cells don’t get the interleukins message to stop fighting, choose to either ignore the message to stop, or receive a message to keep fighting because the malfunctioning T cells mistakenly believe some infection remains.
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