lymphokine

[ lim-fuh-kahyn ]

/ ˈlɪm fəˌkaɪn /

noun Immunology.

any lymphocyte product, as interferon, that is not an antibody but may participate in the immune response through its effect on the function of other cells, as destroying antigen-coated cells or stimulating macrophages.

Nearby words

lymphoid leukemia, lymphoid series, lymphoid tissue, lymphoidectomy, lymphoidocyte, lymphokine, lymphokine-activated killer cell, lymphokinesis, lymphology, lymphoma, lymphomatoid granulomatosis

Origin of lymphokine

1969; lympho(cyte) + -kine < Greek kīneîn to move; cf. -kinin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine

/ (ˈlɪmfəʊˌkaɪn) /

noun

immunol a protein, released by lymphocytes, that affects other cells involved in the immune response

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine

[ lĭm′fə-kīn′ ]

n.

Any of various soluble substances, released by sensitized lymphocytes on contact with specific antigens, that act by stimulating activity of monocytes and macrophages.

Science definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine

[ lĭm′fə-kīn′ ]

Any of various cytokines released by T cells that have been activated by specific antigens. Lymphokines act as mediators in the immune response by activating macrophages and stimulating lymphocyte production. Interferon is a lymphokine.