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cytokine
[ sahy-tuh-kahyn ]
noun
- a type of small protein, as interferon, secreted by certain cells, especially immune cells, that helps regulate the body’s immune response to inflammation and disease: The largest group of cytokines that stimulate immune cell proliferation are the interleukins.
Cytokines are like the body’s messenger system for mobilizing its response to pathogens.
The largest group of cytokines that stimulate immune cell proliferation are the interleukins.
cytokine
/ ˈsaɪtəʊˌkaɪn /
noun
- any of various proteins, secreted by cells, that carry signals to neighbouring cells. Cytokines include interferon
cytokine
/ sī′tə-kīn′ /
- Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular mediators in the generation of an immune response.
- Also called chemokine
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Word History and Origins
Origin of cytokine1
First recorded in 1970–75; cyto- ( def ) + -kine, from Greek kineîn “to move, set in motion”; -kinin ( def )
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