**1.4 Immunomodulation**

*Immune Response Activation and Immunomodulation*

infectious diseases, and allograft rejection [4].

show resistance towards infectious pathogen [7, 8].

as the inhibitors of the pro-inflammatory cytokines [9, 10].

pathogens as innate immune system [3].

prepare to act against pathogens [3].

**immunomodulation**

as "endocrine action" [6].

**1.2 Pro-inflammatory cytokines**

**1.3 Anti-inflammatory cytokines**

implies that adaptive system is not as active and efficient in the clearance of any

**1.1 Role of cytokines in the immune response activation and** 

ogy of various diseases [4]. Particularly the cytokines released by CD4<sup>+</sup>

Activation of acquired immune system: unlike the innate immune system, the acquired immune system needs to be exposed with a substance before its effective action. The acquired immune system is target specific and takes its own time to

Cytokines participate in many physiological processes including the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. These effector molecules are produced transiently and locally and control the quantum of amplitude and duration of the response. The research outcomes have shown that meagre or suboptimal production of these informational molecules may significantly contribute to the pathophysiol-

onset of an immune response are decisive for pathological or physiological consequences. IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha, -beta, -gamma, etc., are known to contribute to the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases,

The inflammatory responses in the peripheral and central nervous systems play key roles in the development and persistence of many pathological pain states [5]. Cytokine a broader name which includes lymphokine; cytokines secreted by the lymphocytes, monokines are secreted by the cells of myeloid origin such as monocytes, chemokine shows chemotactic activities, and the interleukins are the cytokines made by one leukocyte which acts on other leukocytes. The cytokines may act on the cells that secrete them in an autocrine manner or on nearby cells following the paracrine fashion. The action in some instances on distant cells is termed

An inflammatory or pro-inflammatory cytokine is a type of signaling molecule that is excreted by the cells of immune cells such as helper T cells (Th) and macrophages, and some other cell types which are known to promote inflammation as a defense mechanism. The interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-12, and IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating (GM-CSF) factor and play an important role in mediating and regulating the nonadaptive immune response. The inflammatory cytokines are predominantly produced by and involved in the upregulation of inflammatory reactions to

The anti-inflammatory cytokines are a series of immunoregulatory molecules that control pro-inflammatory cytokines, production and their response. The cytokines act in concert with specific cytokine inhibitors and soluble cytokine receptors with an objective to regulate the human immune response. Their physiologic role in provoking inflammatory responses and pathologic role in systemic inflammatory states are increasingly recognized. The chief anti-inflammatory cytokines include interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-11, and IL-13. The specific cytokine receptors for IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-18 also function

T cells at the

**4**

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) emerging as key players in regenerative medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious diseases. The MSCs are emerging an effective tool in developing therapeutic interventional approaches and further advancements. Several tissues have been identified as potential sources of MSCs including bone marrow, cord blood, dental pulp, umbilical cord, adipose tissue, peripheral blood, fetal liver, of which some are clinically recognized. MSCs activate the immune responses and inhibit proliferation, maturation and differentiation of T and B cells. The MSCs activated immune response induce the expression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) [11] which are very important in regulating the immune system and immune effecters of diseased cells.

The immune response activation and immunomodulation is an essential reading to all medical students, biologist, biochemist, and professionals involved in the field of immunology of infectious diseases and beyond. The book is a useful and ideal guide for novice researchers interested in learning research methods to unravel the knot of immune responses and their activation. The role of various cytokines in mounting the protective/immune response as well as during immunomodulation is the central theme of this book.
