Cytokines are cellular regulatory proteins. They are secreted by specific cells, which are activated by certain stimuli, in different tissues. Cytokines control numerous biological functions and one of their important effects is on cell division. Although some of the cytokines have a positive effect on the cell cycle, some play a negative role. The positive and negative effects of cytokines depend upon the cell type. In this paper, the moleculer mechanisms of cytokine effects on the cell cycle are examined.

Cytokines are cellular regulatory proteins. They are secreted by specific cells, which are activated by certain stimuli, in different tissues. Cytokines control numerous biological functions and one of their important effects is on cell division. Although some of the cytokines have a positive effect on the cell cycle, some play a negative role. The positive and negative effects of cytokines depend upon the cell type. In this paper, the moleculer mechanisms of cytokine effects on the cell cycle are examined.