lymphokine

[ lim-fuh-kahyn ]

nounImmunology.

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.

Origin of lymphokine

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

Words Nearby lymphokine

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

Scientific 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.

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