Cytokines are at the heart of immunology - guardians of immune balance in health, and powerful actors in inflammation, autoimmunity, and disease. Yet with dozens of them to track, their pleiotropy and overlapping functions make even seasoned researchers reach for their notes. InvivoGen's science communication team wanted to help. So we made something visual, digestible, and even a little fun. Not another review article. Not another table that scrolls forever. Something better: Flashcards.
Enter the MiniKines™ World!
InvivoGen’s MiniKines™ are collectible flashcards that make cytokine biology easier to explore, understand, and remember. Each MiniKine™ belongs to a functional family and shares a common visual language, so researchers can instantly recognize key biological features and compare cytokines across the entire collection.
Build your MiniKines™ collection faster
Get 15 random MiniKine™ cards with purchase of Recombinant Cytokines. Learn more
Five functional families
The MiniKines™ collection is organized into five functional families, grouped according to each cytokine's predominant biological activities. As many cytokines are pleiotropic by nature, some could reasonably be assigned to more than one family, a reflection of biology's own complexity.
Defense – Cytokines involved in antimicrobial responses
IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IL-36α, TNF-α, TSLP
Adaptive Immunity – Cytokines that shape T cell and B cell responses
APRIL, BAFF, CD40L, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, TL1A
Tissue Remodeling – Cytokines linked to repair, fibrosis, and tissue changes
EGF, IL-11, IL-20, RANKL
Immune Regulation – Cytokines that balance or suppress immune responses
IL-10, TGF-β
Cell Fate – Cytokines involved in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation
EPO, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-3, TPO
Paired cards
Each MiniKine™ brings a cytokine to life as a unique character shaped by its biology. Cards come in pairs, highlighting the dual nature of cytokine signaling through complementary viewpoints:
- Physiological - covering key physiological functions
Pathological - listing related diseases and their therapeutic approaches
Viewed together, the paired cards connect biological function with clinical relevance, providing a concise overview of each cytokine's role across health and disease. Every card combines a visual biological scenario with a clear, memorable take-home message.
The collection includes 40 human cytokines and will grow over time.
Sidekick characters
Smaller sidekick characters such as target cells, pathogens, tumor cells, or other immune actors help tell the cytokine's story by illustrating its biological effects and interactions.
The cytokine character represents the messenger. The sidekicks represent the message.
How to obtain the MiniKines™?
InvivoGen’s MiniKines™ are exclusive collectibles, not available for purchase. A random assortment of cards is included with every order — so make sure to check the box. To build your collection faster, visit us at scientific congresses, trade with colleagues, and keep an eye out for special gift offers.
MiniKines™ are illustrative by design. Cards highlight representative cytokine functions and should not be taken as comprehensive descriptions of all biological activities, pathways, or clinical implications.
