THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CERTAIN PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERIODONTAL INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

Cytokines play an important role in the immune system, participating in the coordination of immune responses, communication between immune and non-immune cells, and in inflammatory and adaptive processes. Cytokines are produced by immune cells (macrophages, T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells) as well as by non-immune cells. Coordinated interactions among cytokines ensure effective protection against infections, while preventing excessive or prolonged immune responses, which may otherwise lead to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.