539 Index 557 In general, cytokines are soluble proteins or glycoproteins that act as chemical communicators between cells, usually regulating cell proliferation and function. Cytokines have been found to play a part in many cell processes, from cell growth to apoptosis. Clinically, cytokines are being researched in areas such as cancer, asthma, obesity, wound healing, the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries, and involvement in the hematopoietic systems. Entries are written by experts in the area. DNA, amino acid and protein sequences are included and there are many tables and figures used to clarify information.
Entries are thorough and all have extensive references.
There is a final chapter that gives basic information and references for 19 new, novel cytokines. The index is extensive. Taken as a series, this is an excellent, comprehensive reference work on cytokines. Rather than sifting through numerous articles to find information, important data is pulled together in one place. But, this is not a volume to learn about cytokines.