Cytokine

Cytokines are tiny proteins produced by your body's cells, mainly immune cells, that act as messengers to coordinate the immune response. They help cells communicate, regulate inflammation, and direct immune activity to fight infections, heal injuries, or manage immune system behavior. Think of cytokines as email notifications that tell immune cells when to activate, where to go, and what actions to take. They are essential for a healthy immune system but can sometimes cause problems if produced excessively, leading to inflammation or autoimmune conditions.