Final answer:
Cytokines are chemicals that trigger responses in other cells and can lead to tissue damage. They regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and gene expression to produce immune responses. Overproduction of cytokines can cause tissue damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemicals that trigger responses in other cells and can lead to tissue damage are known as cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messengers released by injured, infected, or immune cells that regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and gene expression to produce a variety of immune responses. They can induce inflammation and other immune responses, and overproduction of cytokines can lead to tissue damage.
For example, when a pathogen is recognized as foreign, cytokines are released and bind to nearby uninfected cells, inducing them to release cytokines as well. This positive feedback loop results in a burst of cytokine production, which can lead to tissue damage if not properly regulated.