lymphokine

American  

[lim-fuh-kahyn] / ˈlɪm fəˌkaɪn /

noun

Immunology.

1. 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.

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lymphokine British  

/ ˈlɪmfəʊˌkaɪn /

noun

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

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lymphokine Scientific  

/ lĭm′fə-kīn′ /

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of lymphokine

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

Example Sentences

Last year, in one of immunotherapy's most promising clinical trials to date, Rosenberg's team used the hormone-like substance interleukin-2 to turn certain white blood cells into cancer destroyers called lymphokine- activated killers.

From Time Magazine Archive