Step 1: Understanding immune cell differentiation.
Immune cells originate from stem cells and differentiate into specialized immune cells. This process is regulated by signaling molecules.
Step 2: Role of interleukins.
Interleukins are cytokines that specifically regulate growth, differentiation, and activation of immune cells like B-cells and T-cells.
Step 3: Function in immune system.
They act as communication signals between leukocytes to coordinate immune responses.
Step 4: Evaluating options.
Interferons mainly fight viral infections, immunoglobulins are antibodies, and cytokines is a broad category including interleukins.
Step 5: Biological reasoning.
Since differentiation is specifically regulated by interleukins, they are the best answer.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, immune cell differentiation is due to interleukins.