Infographic: Next-generation cytokines for cancer

Cytokines are small proteins naturally occurring in the body that can help mediate the immune response to cancer. Researchers have investigated the use of cytokines in cancer therapy, leveraging the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells; however, certain characteristics of cytokines hamper their widespread clinical use.

Overcoming these challenges is a major goal in developing next-generation cytokine therapies. Engineered cytokines with lower toxicity and longer half-lives are promising approaches to improve therapeutic efficacy. This infographic explores various strategies for engineering cytokines.

Illustration by Tobias Dumbraveanu.