How do cytokines function?
A)They bind directly to microbes to enhance their chance of being ingested (phagocytosed).
B)They are secreted in the phagolysosomes of neutrophils to effect killing of ingested microbes.
C)They are secreted by one cell type.They then bind to a receptor on target cell causing a signal within that cell that turns on (or off)certain genes to achieve a response.
D)They work as a series of serum proteins to produce a hole in microbes to directly lyse them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cytokines are signaling molecules secreted by various cell types to initiate a response in target cells. They bind to specific receptors on the target cell surface, which triggers a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to changes in gene expression and cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, and activation. Cytokines do not directly bind to or kill microbes. This makes choice A, B, and D incorrect.

How Do Cytokines Function