Interleukins are proteins that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Interleukins create communication between leukocytes. Lymphokines are cytokines that are produced by lymphocytes. Lymphokines send signals out to other cells, such as macrophages and other lymphocytes, telling them to come over and help.
How are cytokines activated?
Cytokines play a main role in the innate immune response by means of direct mechanisms against the invading agent (inhibiting viral replication) or by activating mechanisms for cells such as NK cells and macrophages, which upon activation, produce more cytokines.