Cytokines are a growing focus in immunology research. Discuss cytokines by answering the following questions, using your textbook and peer-reviewed journal articles to support your statements.

What is a cytokine, and how is it produced?
What is the role of cytokines in the infectious disease process?
What aspect of cytokines do you find especially challenging or do not understand? Pose a question that your instructor or classmates can answer
Respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ or your instructor’s posts. Your responses should include elements such as follow-up questions, a further exploration of topics from the initial post, or requests for further clarification or explanation on some points made.