Diagnosing tuberculosis with cytokines IL-15, IL-10 and MCP-1, in addition to interferon-gamma

A pattern of two cytokines, called MCP-1 and IL-15, was reasonably good at differentiating between persons sick with TB and persons infected but not sick.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. According to the new nomenclature, MCP-1 is called chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2).

A third cytokine called IP-10 also showed promise at differentiating between people who are infected and those who are not.

Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 kDa (IP-10) is also known as C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10). It belongs to the CXC chemokine family.

These 3 cytokines could form the basis of a new test to quickly detect whether tuberculosis is dormant or active and infectious.


52 chemokines from 4 families have been described. They interact with 20 receptors (click here for a larger image).

What is the difference between cytokine, interleukin and chemokine?

Cytokines (Greek cyto-, cell; and -kinos, movement) are substances secreted by cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells. They are proteins, peptides, or glycoproteins.

Interleukins are a group of cytokines first found to be expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes). The name is a misnomer since interleukins are produced by a wide variety of cells, not only leukocytes.

Chemokines (Greek -kinos, movement) are a family of small cytokines, or proteins secreted by cells. The name is derived from their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells; they are chemotactic cytokines.

Xpert MTB/RIF is a rapid diagnostic test for tuberculosis with high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (99%). Lancet, 2011.

1 comment:

  1. The flowchart of this site is very informative for us to know about Cytokines. These are substances secreted by cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells like proteins, peptides or glycoproteins. Thanks a lot for sharing with us......

    Cytokines

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