How can cytokines help boost the immune system?

Cytokines are signaling molecules released by cells into the circulation to induce and/or modulate an immune response. Immune cells produce large amounts of cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, to respond to perturbations such as tumors. IL-2 (interleukin-2) and IFN-α (interferon-alpha) are two FDA-approved cytokines used to treat melanoma.¹ Additional information on immunotherapy can be found in our resource center here.

Reference:
1. T.A. Waldmann, "Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy," Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol, 2017.