Cytokine fields and the polarization of the immune response.

Certain cells that participate in the immune response are known to become polarized in their production of cytokines. It is postulated that, after initial polarization at the site of antigenic encounter, the different types of cell arriving at this site are induced to conform to the local cytokine field, implying that they share common regulatory circuits. As they migrate, these cells might, in turn, spread the particular cytokine field. Therefore, the field is 'infectious' in nature. Propagation of the cytokine field must be regulated somehow. The invasion of the cytokine field into an organ or the entire body could have major immunological consequences.