Cells cease the battle against bacteria, to fight against viruses

Cytokines are secretory proteins for the regulation of immunity. Cytokines control the activity of immune cells. Excessive secretion of cytokines causes the excessive inflammation, which results in a severe disease.

Recently it was reported that some cytokines in a viral infection inhibit the secretion of other types of cytokines, which include some important regulators for a bacterial infection. Thus cells cease the preparation for battle against bacteria, to fight against viruses. In this case, it is considered that the bacterial infection causes severe symptoms. We already know such phenomenon, whereas to elucidate this is the work of scientists.