Interleukins are cell signalling molecules, and a part of the cytokine super family of signalling molecules. The interleukins were first described as signals for communication between (inter- between) white blood cells (leuk- from leukocytes. Currently, it is well-known that these molecules are produced and used as signalling molecules in many cells of the body, in addition to immune cells.
Interleukins are basically the method of immune cross-talk and communication. Interleukins are the primary messengers and directors of the immune system. They can cause cellular proliferation, cell activation, inflammation, physiology changes such as fever and pain, allergies as with histamine release and growth.
There are currently 35 well-known interleukins, however, there are many more to be found and characterized.
The site, Interleukins.net, is dedicated to bringing information, links and data on the interleukin family of proteins.