Cytokines orchestrate T cell-mediated immune responses. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) the proinflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-18 are critically involved in the initiation and amplification of the local immune response in the CNS which is counterbalanced by upregulation of antiinflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. The predicted function of individual cytokines during EAE has recently been challenged by transgenic animal studies and neutralization experiments.

Cytokine induction is not restricted to autoimmunity in the nervous system. Cytokines are involved in nerve regeneration and induced in focal cerebral ischemia both at the site of infarction and in remote nonischemic brain regions. In cerebral ischemia TNF-α and IL-1β probably have dual functions: In concert with upregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) they exert neurotoxicity while in the absence of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β may contribute to neuroprotection and plasticity.

The interplay between glial cells, infiltrating leukocytes and induced cytokines leading to CNS pathology is complex and incompletely understood. Further assesment of the functional contribution of cytokines critically depends on the elucidation of downstream secondary signaling mechanisms.