Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx), Diagnostic Solutions

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

Interferon-gamma

IL-1 beta refers to Interleukin-1 beta. Interleukin-1 beta is one of the cytokines assessed in the CytoDx Cytokine Response Profile offered by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. Cytokines are critical mediators of immune responses, and their imbalances have been linked to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

IL-10 (Interleukin-10) is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine that helps control immune overactivation and maintain immune tolerance. Produced by regulatory T cells (Tregs), monocytes, and macrophages, IL-10 suppresses excessive inflammatory signals and supports healing once an immune threat is cleared. Elevated IL-10 levels may indicate the body’s effort to calm chronic inflammation or infection, while low IL-10 often reflects poor immune regulation and a higher risk of autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-10 serves as a key marker of regulatory immune balance, helping clinicians assess whether inflammation is being effectively resolved or remains persistently active.

IL-13 (Interleukin-13) is an anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine that regulates antibody production, tissue repair, and mucosal immunity. Produced by Th2 cells, mast cells, and ILC2s, IL-13 helps resolve inflammation but can also drive allergic and fibrotic responses when elevated. High IL-13 levels are linked to asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, and fibrotic diseases, indicating Th2 immune dominance. Low IL-13 may occur in autoimmune or Th1/Th17-driven inflammation, reflecting reduced regulatory control. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-13 serves as a marker of anti-inflammatory activity and immune balance, helping clinicians determine whether the immune system is effectively resolving inflammation or skewed toward chronic allergic or inflammatory stress.

IL-15 (Interleukin-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, strengthening the body’s defense against infections and tumors. It also promotes interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production, amplifying immune responses. Elevated IL-15 levels can indicate chronic inflammation, autoimmune activity, or persistent infection, and are often seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Low IL-15 may suggest reduced immune cell function or immune suppression. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-15 serves as a marker of Th1-driven immune activation, offering valuable insight into immune system stress and helping guide targeted approaches to restore immune balance and resilience.

IL-17A (Interleukin-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by Th17 cells that plays a key role in defending against bacterial and fungal infections. It promotes neutrophil recruitment and stimulates other inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. Elevated IL-17A levels indicate Th17-dominant inflammation and are commonly seen in autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, IBD, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Chronically high IL-17A can drive tissue damage and immune dysregulation, while low IL-17A may signal weakened mucosal immunity or immune suppression. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-17A helps identify chronic inflammatory patterns and autoimmune activity, offering valuable guidance for restoring immune balance and reducing inflammation.

IL-18 (Interleukin-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates Th1 and natural killer (NK) cells, driving the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and amplifying immune and inflammatory responses. While essential for fighting infections, persistently high IL-18 levels can promote chronic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, metabolic stress, and cardiovascular or neuroinflammatory disorders. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-18 serves as a key marker of Th1/Th17 pathway activity, helping identify immune system overactivation or imbalance. Elevated IL-18 often reflects ongoing inflammatory stress, whereas balanced levels indicate healthy immune communication and regulation.

IL-2 (Interleukin-2) is a pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokine that promotes the growth and activation of T cells, NK cells, and B cells, playing a key role in immune defense and regulation. Produced by activated T-helper cells, IL-2 strengthens immune responses while also supporting regulatory T cells (Tregs) to prevent autoimmunity. Elevated IL-2 levels often indicate immune activation, autoimmune activity, or chronic inflammation, whereas low IL-2 may reflect immune exhaustion, poor T-cell function, or regulatory imbalance. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-2 serves as a core marker of Th1 immune strength and balance, helping clinicians evaluate whether the immune system is properly activated, overactive, or suppressed.

IL-4 (Interleukin-4) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that promotes Th2 immune activity and supports antibody production, immune tolerance, and tissue repair. Produced by Th2 cells, mast cells, and basophils, IL-4 helps suppress excessive Th1-driven inflammation. Elevated IL-4 levels are often linked to allergies, asthma, eczema, and parasitic infections, reflecting Th2 dominance and increased antibody activity. Low IL-4 may occur in autoimmune or chronic inflammatory states, where regulatory immune signaling is reduced. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-4 serves as a key marker of anti-inflammatory balance, helping clinicians determine whether a patient’s immune system is tilted toward inflammatory (Th1/Th17) or regulatory (Th2) pathways.

IL-5 (Interleukin-5) is an anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine that stimulates the production and activation of eosinophils, immune cells involved in allergic reactions, asthma, and defense against parasites. Produced by Th2 cells, mast cells, and ILC2s, IL-5 promotes antibody production and supports mucosal immunity. Elevated IL-5 levels are often seen in allergic diseases, asthma, and eosinophilic inflammation, indicating a Th2-dominant immune response. Low IL-5 may occur in Th1/Th17-driven inflammation or immune suppression, leading to reduced mucosal protection. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-5 serves as a marker of anti-inflammatory and Th2 activity, helping clinicians evaluate whether the immune system is balanced or skewed toward chronic inflammation or allergic hypersensitivity.

IL-6 (Interleukin-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in inflammation, immune defense, and metabolic regulation. Produced by immune and tissue cells, IL-6 triggers the liver’s acute-phase response, supports antibody production, and influences energy metabolism. Elevated IL-6 levels indicate chronic inflammation and are associated with autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and chronic infection. Persistently high IL-6 can also promote fatigue, tissue damage, and oxidative stress. Low IL-6 may reflect suppressed immune function or reduced inflammatory capacity. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-6 serves as a key marker of systemic inflammation and immune activation, helping clinicians identify chronic inflammatory drivers and guide strategies to restore immune balance.

IL-7 (Interleukin-7) is a cytokine essential for the development, maintenance, and survival of T and B lymphocytes, key players in the body’s adaptive immune system. Produced by stromal and epithelial cells in the bone marrow and thymus, IL-7 helps sustain immune cell balance and readiness. Elevated IL-7 levels often reflect immune activation, lymphocyte depletion, or chronic inflammation, as the body increases IL-7 production to replenish immune cells. High IL-7 can be seen in autoimmune diseases, chronic viral infections, and metabolic or inflammatory disorders, while low levels may indicate immune suppression or impaired bone marrow function. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-7 serves as a key marker of immune activity and adaptive resilience, helping clinicians assess whether the immune system is in a state of activation, recovery, or dysregulation.

IL-8 (Interleukin-8) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine that recruits neutrophils and other immune cells to sites of infection or tissue injury. Produced by immune and epithelial cells, IL-8 helps the body mount an effective inflammatory response, but when chronically elevated, it can contribute to autoimmune disease, metabolic inflammation, and tissue damage. High IL-8 levels are often linked to rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, asthma, chronic infections, and cardiometabolic disorders, reflecting sustained immune activation. Low IL-8 may occur with immune suppression or impaired inflammatory signaling. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, IL-8 is a key indicator of innate immune activity and inflammatory load, helping clinicians identify chronic inflammatory or autoimmune processes and guide personalized strategies for restoring immune balance.

MIP-1β (Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 beta, CCL4) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine that helps guide immune cells—including monocytes, NK cells, and T lymphocytes—to areas of infection or injury. Produced by macrophages and T cells, it plays a central role in immune cell communication and inflammatory signaling. Elevated MIP-1β levels often reflect chronic immune activation and are associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, metabolic inflammation, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Low levels may suggest suppressed immune signaling or reduced cytokine activity. Within the Cytokine Response Profile (CytoDx) by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, MIP-1β is an important marker of innate immune activation and cell recruitment, offering insight into chronic inflammatory stress and helping clinicians tailor strategies to rebalance the immune system.

an independent predictor of cardiac mortality

What Is TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha)? TNF-alpha is an important protein in your immune system that plays a big role in inflammation and overall health. It's part of a CYTOKINES Panel and helps your body respond to injuries, infections, and other issues. Why Is TNF-alpha Important? TNF-alpha is made by immune cells like macrophages and T-cells when your body is fighting something, such as an infection or inflammation. It helps: Control inflammation. Remove damaged cells through a process called apoptosis (cell death). Regulate fat metabolism. How Is TNF-alpha Used in Healthcare? Doctors use TNF-alpha levels to: Check for inflammation in your body. Diagnose health conditions tied to inflammation. Monitor treatments, especially for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis where TNF-alpha blockers are often prescribed. What Should You Do About Your Results? TNF-alpha is just one piece of the puzzle. Talk to your doctor to understand what your results mean for you. They’ll look at TNF-alpha alongside other markers to give you a full picture of your health and recommend next steps. Understanding your TNF-alpha levels can help you take control of your health, especially if you're managing inflammation-related conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.