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Cytokines are proteins, peptides or glycoproteins secreted by lymphocytes and monocytes that regulate immune responses, haematopoiesis and lymphocyte development. Cytokines include interleukins, chemokines and other signalling molecules. Each cytokine acts through its own receptor on target cells, and these receptors include members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and tumour necrosis factor (TNF).
In this Review, the authors analyze evidence for autoimmunity against components of antimicrobial immunity, metaphorically represented by the mythical ouroboros snake eating its own tail.
In graft rejection, Th17 promotes tertiary lymphoid tissue, neutrophilic infiltration and DSAs. The RORγt inverse agonist TF-S14 inhibits Th17 cytokines, antibody class switching and prolongs allograft survival in sensitized mice.