Final answer:
During an inflammatory response, cells produce cytokines such as chemokines and interleukins to attract immune cells to the site of injury or infection. These cytokines play a crucial role in immunological defense by coordinating leukocyte recruitment and activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells produce specific chemicals during an inflammatory response to attract or recruit immune cells. These chemicals are known as cytokines, and they play a crucial role in both triggering inflammation and mediating the immune response. Some cytokines, like chemokines, have a chemotactic function, which means they specifically help to recruit subsets of leukocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to areas of infection or damage. This is essential for the body's defense mechanism, as these leukocytes can swiftly respond to the infection or injury by engulfing and digesting pathogens, and by clearing debris at the inflamed site. Interleukins are another type of cytokine largely produced by immune system cells. They help to coordinate the immune system's efforts against invading pathogens by regulating the immune response. This coordinated action ensures an effective defense against the threat and the resolution of the inflammation. Moreover, leukotrienes are also involved in this process, as they are particularly effective at attracting neutrophils to the site of infection.