cytokine

[sahy-tuh-kahyn]

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.

cytokine

/ ˈsaɪtəʊˌkaɪn /

noun

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

cytokine

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

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. )

Example Sentences

When that happens, the immune system "is already super pumped up," says Prof Cruickshank, because the body is busy making chemical messengers called cytokines that help to kill viruses.

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The work lays the foundation for the real-time management and prevention of acute and chronic conditions through the tracking of critical proteins, such as cytokines in inflammation, protein biomarkers in heart failure and many others.

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Within each cell they were able to map changes to histones, the proteins that help control the release of cytokines -- proteins that help control inflammation in the body and that can affect pregnancy.

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However, upon gastrointestinal mucus fluctuations caused by dietary changes or antibiotics, for example, the fungus becomes visible to the immune system by activating the production of a cytokine called IL-33.

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Abrocitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor drug that works to suppress inflammation, specifically pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that are involved in an overactive immune system.

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When To Use

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.