Cytokines in dermatology

Abstract

Cytokines are polypeptides that are produced by various cell types and act in an autocrine or paracrine manner. They have many different biological actions and have been used in dermatology to treat a wide range of dermatologic diseases. In this paper we review some of the more commonly used cytokines in dermatology, including interferon-alpha and -gamma, interleukins-2 and -10, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. We specifically examine their roles in the treatment of condyloma and verruca, hemangiomas, keloids, skin cancers, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, Behcet disease, chronic granulomatous disease, wound healing, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. In addition, some of the adverse effects associated with these cytokines are discussed.