Final answer:
Hormones can dysregulate the production of cytokines, affecting immune functioning. For example, during acute stress, increased levels of hormones like IL-6 and IL-1B can enhance immune responsiveness and promote wound healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cytokines are small proteins released by the immune system, which can be dysregulated by hormones.
These hormones can affect immune functioning by altering the production of cytokines.
For example, during acute stress, hormones like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1B can be significantly increased, leading to enhanced immune responsiveness and potential wound healing.
The communication between the immune system and hormones is bidirectional, with hormones influencing different subsets of immune cells.