LAUSR

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors perturb the normal structure, function, or structural—functional coordination of the host that results in disease, either infectious or noninfectious. Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and the host defense system provides protection against them. Noninfectious diseases, such as cancers and autoimmune or congenital/genetic diseases, are associated with development and primarily managed by surgical intervention or through symptom management. This issue of International Reviews of Immunology focuses on a few cytokines playing a pivotal role in infectious disease, and the possibilities for development of a pan-vaccine for subtypes of influenza virus. The issue also discusses a recently discovered genetic tool in the correction of mutation occurring in genetic diseases (Figure 1). Cytokines are either native or post-translationally modified proteins, synthesized and secreted by immune cells for communication among immune cells. Cytokines maintain growth, differentiation, and maintenance of immune responses and immune homeostasis. The synthesis and production of several cytokines, particularly Interleukin (IL)—1 family cytokines, are tightly regulated and synthesize in zymogen (inactive) form. The production of secretory bioactive cytokines depends on stimuli, which in turn activate a multiprotein complex known as inflammasome. The first review article of this issue by Allam et al. discusses the immunosuppressive role of