Ionomycin is an ionophore produced by the bacterium Streptomyces conglobatus. It is a polyether ionic antibiotic that exhibits an affinity for Ca2+. It is used in research to raise the intracellular level of calcium (Ca2+) and as a research tool to understand Ca2+ transport across biological membranes. These cytokines are important in the inflammatory response.
Ionomycin is also used to stimulate the intracellular production of the cytokines, interferon, perforin, IL-2, and IL-4 usually in conjunction with PMA.