cytokine
noun
cy·to·kine
ˈsī-tə-ˌkīn 
plural cytokines
: any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (such as interleukin or interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system
Most cytokines are produced primarily in the presence of disease or immunization and contribute to immune responses, inflammation, and endothelial cell activation; others are involved in tissue repair.—
Charles A. Dinarello et al.
Charles A. Dinarello et al.The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-2 determines the magnitude and duration of the T-cell response immediately after antigen encounter and assists in the maturation of macrophages and the proliferation of B cells and natural killer cells …—Chiea C. Khor et al.
Chiea C. Khor et al.Examples of cytokine in a Sentence
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Within each cell, the scientists were able to map out changes to histones, proteins that help control the release of other proteins called cytokines, which help regulate inflammation and can impact pregnancy, according to the study.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024
Studies in animals and humans have shown that diabetes is associated with persistent low-grade systemic inflammation due to a class of small proteins called pro-inflammatory cytokines.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
As fat storage cells get larger, this attracts invasion by immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2024
The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
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Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024
Studies in animals and humans have shown that diabetes is associated with persistent low-grade systemic inflammation due to a class of small proteins called pro-inflammatory cytokines.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
As fat storage cells get larger, this attracts invasion by immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2024
The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cytokine
Dictionary Entries Near cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cytokine
noun
cy·to·kine
ˈsīt-ə-ˌkīn
: any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (as interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system
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