CYTOKINE RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Cytokine receptors are a group of proteins present on the surface of cells that play a crucial role in cellular communication and the regulation of immune responses. They are specifically designed to bind with cytokines, which are small proteins involved in transmitting signals between cells of the immune system.
When a cytokine is released by one cell, it can bind to its specific receptor on another cell, triggering a cascade of signals that ultimately regulate various immune responses, including inflammation, immune cell activation, and the production of antibodies. Cytokine receptors are highly diverse and can be classified into different families based on their structural and functional characteristics.
There are two primary types of cytokine receptors: membrane-bound receptors and soluble receptors. Membrane-bound receptors are usually transmembrane proteins that span the cell membrane, allowing them to transmit signals from the extracellular space to the inside of the cell. Soluble receptors, on the other hand, are created when the extracellular portion of the receptor is released from the cell surface and circulates in the bloodstream. These soluble receptors can bind to cytokines and prevent them from interacting with their respective membrane-bound receptors, acting as negative regulators of cytokine signaling.
Abnormalities or dysfunctions in cytokine receptors can lead to various immune disorders and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the roles and functions of cytokine receptors is crucial for developing targeted therapies and treatments for these conditions.
Common Misspellings for CYTOKINE RECEPTORS
- xytokine receptors
- vytokine receptors
- fytokine receptors
- dytokine receptors
- cttokine receptors
- cgtokine receptors
- chtokine receptors
- cutokine receptors
- c7tokine receptors
- c6tokine receptors
- cyrokine receptors
- cyfokine receptors
- cygokine receptors
- cyyokine receptors
- cy6okine receptors
- cy5okine receptors
- cytikine receptors
- cytkkine receptors
- cytlkine receptors
- cytpkine receptors
Etymology of CYTOKINE RECEPTORS
The term "cytokine receptors" combines two separate components: "cytokine" and "receptors".
The word "cytokine" originates from the Greek words "cyto" meaning cell, and "kino" meaning movement or motion. It was coined in the 1960s to describe small proteins or peptides secreted by cells that regulate immune responses and intercellular communication.
The term "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptus", meaning received or taken back. In biology, it refers to a molecule or structure, typically found on the surface of a cell, that can bind to another molecule, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, and initiate a specific biological response within the cell.
Therefore, "cytokine receptors" refers to the specific receptors present on the surface of cells that bind to cytokines and trigger cellular responses.
