What is a cytokine, and how is it produced? What is the role of cytokines in the infectious disease process?

Cytokines

Cytokines are a growing focus in immunology research. Discuss cytokines by answering the following questions, using your textbook and peer-reviewed journal articles to support your statements.

What is a cytokine, and how is it produced?
What is the role of cytokines in the infectious disease process?
What aspect of cytokines do you find especially challenging or do not understand? Pose a question that your instructor or classmates can answer for you.
Respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ or your instructor’s posts. Your responses should include elements such as follow-up questions, a further exploration of topics from the initial post, or requests for further clarification or explanation on some points made.