Question

Which of the following is/are responsible for the release of cytokines?

• A. Blood platelets are infected by a virus
• B. Bacteria enter the bloodstream
• C. The body cell is infected
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The body cell is infected

Cytokines are cell signalling molecules produced by cells of the immune system. Essentially, cytokines serve as ‘alarm systems’ and attract the attention of other cells that kill infected human cells. These other cells are some “special cells” of our immune system which get activated to fight off the pathogen or even kill the infected cells. They include macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells. The infected cell can be a freely circulating blood platelet infected by a virus or a localised infected cell in the body tissues.