259 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits As IL-6 stimulates inflammatory and autoimmune processes in many diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, among others, there is growing interest in developing anti-IL-6 agents for treating these conditions. Some are already in use, like tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis or IL-6 blocking agents used in cancer therapy. Others are still in clinical trial phases. - leukocytes See “cells” in the introduction to this section. - B lymphocytes See “cells” in the introduction to this section. - T lymphocytes See “cells” in the introduction to this section. - pathogenic microorganisms Microscopic organisms capable of causing disease. This term includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, among others. However, not all of these microorganisms are harmful; some can be beneficial, such as the bacteria in probiotic foods, which are called non-pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, the term “pathogens” is also used to refer to other agents such as toxins. IMMUNOGLOBULIN A (See IMMUNE SYSTEM) IMMUNOMODULATORS Substances that stimulate or suppress the immune system. They are used in immunotherapy to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer, infections, and other diseases. INDETERMINATE COLITIS (See INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE / Colitis) INFLAMMATION One of the immune system’s responses, usually triggered by microbial infections or trauma. This response is non-specific (many different situations can lead to the same reaction) and involves the accumulation of blood and immune cells in the affected tissue. The five cardinal signs of inflammation are: swelling (caused by fluid accumulation), pain (due to pressure on nerve endings), heat (from vasodilation in the inflamed area), redness (due to increased blood flow), and loss or reduction of function. This process helps tissue repair, but if unresolved or poorly regulated, it may result in chronic inflammation (systemic or generalised), with adverse health effects. - cytokines Cytokines are small protein-based cell signalling molecules that support cell-to-cell activation and communication during immune responses. They coordinate the immune system activity by activating or inhibiting functions in specific cells (e.g., dendritic cells or neutrophils), regulating cell proliferation and differentiation and activate or inhibit the expression of certain genes (e.g. those encoding other cytokines).
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