What is the difference between cytokines and hormones

Cytokines vs hormones: the difference between cytokines and hormones can be explained in three aspects, generation, types and functions.

Cytokines are a broad category of small proteins about 5-20kDa, which are synthesized and secreted by immune cells or some non-immune cells. Immune cells include B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, mast cells, etc and non-immune cells contains endothelial cells, fibroblasts, various stromal cells and so on. Cytokines act through combining related receptors. the combination can regulate cell growth, cell differentiation and modulate immune response.

Hormones are regulatory biochemicals and produced in all multicellular organisms by glands. Hormones are not only proteins, which can also be steroid, amino acid derivatives and fatty acid derivatives. They can change the homeostasis, reproduction, development, and/or behavior. Hormonal signaling involves biosynthesis, storage and secretion, transport, recognition, relay and amplification and degradation.

Cytokines vs Chemokines