Chapter 38 : Introduction

Abstract:

This chapter is an introduction to Cytokines and Chemokines. In the clinical laboratory, cytokine assessment has been used to monitor disease progression and activity. In addition, the increasing use of cytokines and cytokine antagonists as therapeutic modalities requires the measurement of cytokine levels to determine the pharmacokinetics of the administered molecule. In the research laboratory, the measurement of cytokine gene expression is currently being explored with the hope that this approach will offer clues to better define the mechanisms of cytokine action in disease processes. A section encompasses reviews on cytokines, chemokines or adhesion molecules.