interleukin

noun

in·​ter·​leu·​kin ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən How to pronounce interleukin (audio)
: any of various cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity
often used with an identifying number
abbreviation IL
see also interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6

Examples of interleukin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024 In ulcerative colitis, the main interleukins that cause inflammation are IL-12 and IL-23. Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024 For example, when triggered, blood samples from smokers (current and former) released more signaling proteins called interleukins than the blood of nonsmokers—a warning sign that their white blood cells were kicking into overdrive. Celia Ford, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024 Some compounds found in colostrum include lactoferrin, lymphocytes, leukocytes, interleukins, growth factors, fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024 Diet Certain nutrients can help to fight chronic inflammation by counteracting inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein, interleukins (like IL-1 or IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023 High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor inhibit the natural rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle, Wirth says. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 18 Mar. 2023 Doctors treated him with interleukin inhibitors to slow inflammation, along with the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin. New York Times, 29 Apr. 2020 Fortuity was behind the idea of tocilizumab: When Emily Whitehead, the first child to receive CAR-T, developed cytokine release syndrome, her medical team noted that her blood contained high levels of a cytokine called interleukin 6. Ilana Yurkiewicz, Smithsonian, 26 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

inter- + leuk- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interleukin was in 1979

Dictionary Entries Near interleukin

Cite this Entry

“Interleukin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

interleukin

noun
in·​ter·​leu·​kin ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən How to pronounce interleukin (audio)
: any of various compounds of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity

More from Merriam-Webster on interleukin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!