Table 1.
Main cytokines involved in the asthma–obesity link [11]. Cytokines above the separation line are involved in Th2 response, while cytokines beneath the line are involved in Th1 response. Abbreviations: TSLP, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL, interleukin, MCP-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, IP-10, interferon-γ inducible protein 10, TNF, tumor necrosis factor, IFN, interferon, TGF, transforming growth factor.
| Cytokine | Source | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alarmins (TSLP, IL-25, IL-33) |
Epithelial cells | ILC2s and APCs activation after allergen exposure |
| IL-5 | Activated ILC2s, mast-cells and Th2 lymphocytes | Promotes eosinophil proliferation and differentiation |
| IL-4 | Th2 lymphocytes | IgE production, Th2 lymphocytes differentiation |
| IL-13 | Mainly Th2 lymphocytes | promotes fibrosis, mucus secretion, IgE production, chemokines and adhesion molecules production |
| MCP-1 (CCL2) | Activated monocytes | Leukocytes migration to inflammation site |
| IP-10 (CXCL-11) |
Activated monocytes | T-CD8+ migration to inflammation site |
| TNF | Activated monocytes, others | Neutrophils migration and activation, systemic inflammatory response |
| IL-1 | Activated monocytes, others | Systemic inflammatory response |
| IFN-γ | NK cells, T-CD8+ cells, Th1 lymphocytes | Macrophages activation, Th1 differentiation, IgG production, MHC class I and II exposure |
| TGF-β | T lymphocytes, activated mononuclear monocytes | Inflammatory regulator, T-reg differentiation, IL-17 differentiation, IgA production, tissue repair |
| IL-17 | Th17 lymphocytes | Neutrophils proliferation, differentiation and migration, induces IL-1, TNF and chemokines production |
| IL-6 | Activated monocytes and T-lymphocytes | Promotes cellular-mediated response (↑ IL-17) |