Basis of differentiation

Cytokines

Hormones

Definition

Cytokines are small proteins that play a role in intracellular communication in immune responses

Hormones are biochemicals formed by glands  

Generation

Are generated by immune cells and non-immune cells

Are generated by the endocrine glands

Types

Proteins

Can be proteins, steroids, amino acid derivatives, or fatty acid derivatives

Response time

Cytokines have a rapid response and are involved in the immune response to infections 

Respond comparatively slower than cytokines

Origin

Originate from immune cells and other cells such as endothelial cells

Hormones originate from the endocrine glands including the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands

Target cells

Most cytokines act on local target cells in an autocrine and paracrine action

Act on distant target cells via the bloodstream