Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Macrophages

宿主免疫系统的一个重要功能是启动炎症反应，这是控制外来损伤和启动组织修复所必需的。炎症过程通常是自我限制和调节的，以避免附带的自我伤害。炎症的失调导致过度和持续的炎症。不受控制的炎症的一个特征是某些细胞因子的表达升高，统称为促炎细胞因子。髓系免疫细胞（特别是巨噬细胞和中性粒细胞）通过产生包括细胞因子在内的炎症介质在炎症中发挥重要作用。控制炎症的分子机制尚未完全阐明。

An important function of the host immune system is to initiate an inflammatory response that is required to control foreign insults and initiate tissue repair. The inflammatory process is normally self-limiting and regulated in order to avoid collateral self-damage. A dysregulation of inflammation results in excessive and persistent inflammation. A characteristic feature of uncontrolled inflammation is elevated expression of certain cytokines collectively known as proinflammatory cytokines. Myeloid immune cells (particularly macrophages and neutrophils) play important roles in inflammation via their production of inflammatory mediators including cytokines. The molecular mechanisms controlling inflammation have not been fully delineated.