Cytokines and Chemokines: Evolving Roles As Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Clinical Practice (Literature Review)
Keywords:
Cytokines, Chemokines, Biomarkers, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Inflammation, Immunoassays, Personalized MedicineAbstract
The cytokine and chemokine network represents a cornerstone of the immune system, governing communication, cell recruitment, and inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of this intricate network is a hallmark of a wide spectrum of pathologies, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, chronic inflammatory conditions, and severe infections. This review synthesizes current evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of specific cytokines and chemokines across various medical disciplines. We examine the transition of these molecules from research tools to potential clinical biomarkers, focusing on their roles in early diagnosis, disease subtyping, monitoring of therapeutic response, and prediction of clinical outcomes. While challenges such as biological variability, assay standardization, and cost-effectiveness remain, the integration of multiplex profiling and bioinformatics is paving the way for cytokine/chemokine signatures to enter routine clinical practice, enabling a more personalized approach to patient management.
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