Abstract
Cytokines are a family of proteins that serve as intracellular messengers within the immune system and as growth factors for several cell types. Recent studies indicate that intestinal inflammation is accompanied by increases in a wide variety of cytokines and growth factors. Current knowledge in the area of cytokine-epithelial interactions, with particular reference to the involvement of such interactions in intestinal inflammation, is reviewed. Topics include epithelial functions subject to modulation by cytokines; effects of cytokines on epithelial damage, restitution and proliferation; effects of cytokines on the ability of the epithelium to express immune accessory and adhesion molecules; and effects of cytokines on the production of inflammatory mediators by the epithelium.