cytokine

American  

[sahy-tuh-kahyn] / ˈsaɪ təˌkaɪn /

noun

1. 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.

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cytokine British  

/ ˈsaɪtəʊˌkaɪn /

noun

1. any of various proteins, secreted by cells, that carry signals to neighbouring cells. Cytokines include interferon

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cytokine Scientific  

/ sī′tə-kīn′ /

1. 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.

2. Also called chemokine

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Usage

What is a cytokine? A cytokine is a type of protein released by cells in the body to carry messages to other cells. These messages tell the cells to do something, like to start an immune response.Cytokines get triggered by the presence of an antigen, which is any substance, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes the body to produce antibodies.There are many different types of cytokines. Common types are interleukins and lymphokines, which include the cytokines known as interferons.Cytokines play an important role in many different processes, including the regulation of inflammation and the immune response. Sometimes, though, too many cytokines get released. This is known as a cytokine storm, and it makes the body attack itself, resulting in potentially deadly damage to healthy tissue.

Etymology

Origin of cytokine

First recorded in 1970–75; cyto- ( def. ) + -kine, from Greek kineîn “to move, set in motion”; -kinin ( def. )

Example Sentences

The team identified the T cell signals as cytokines that activate pathogen sensing receptors called toll-like receptors on innate immune cells.

From Science Daily

Unlike well known inflammatory signals such as histamine and cytokines, epoxy-oxylipins belong to a lesser studied pathway that researchers believed might help naturally quiet the immune system.

From Science Daily

These changes lead macrophages to release higher levels of inflammatory cytokines.

From Science Daily

The thymus also releases cytokines and growth factors that help T cells survive.

From Science Daily

After exposure, the macrophages released multiple cytokines, with especially high levels of CXCL10.

From Science Daily