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”; cf. -kinin ( def. )

Example Sentences

That fatty molecule belongs to a group called cardiolipins, which are known to stimulate cytokine release.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

Follow-up experiments confirmed that these proteins can influence key immune signaling systems, including NF-κB and cytokine responses.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

"Another important inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, was only increased in the younger group," says the researcher.

From Science Daily • Oct. 14, 2025

Conversely, when researchers injected the rats with a substance that agitates the immune system, the inflammatory cytokine levels rapidly shot up.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2024

The study found that PM2.5 exposure can influence the histone profiles of pregnant women, disrupting the normal balance of cytokine genes and leading to increased inflammation in both women and fetuses.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2024