THE ROLE OF CYTOKINES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

This article explores the critical role of cytokines in the development and progression of autoimmune disorders. Cytokines, as key regulators of the immune system, maintain the balance between immune activation and tolerance. The disruption of this balance, particularly the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insufficient anti-inflammatory responses, contributes to chronic inflammation and tissue damage characteristic of autoimmune diseases. The review discusses major cytokine families involved, signaling pathways, and their interactions that lead to immune dysregulation. Additionally, it highlights current therapeutic strategies targeting cytokines and the challenges faced in treatment due to cytokine redundancy and patient variability. Understanding cytokine involvement provides valuable insights into autoimmune pathogenesis and offers potential for more precise and effective therapies.