lymphokine

noun

lym·​pho·​kine ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌkīn 

: any of various substances (such as interleukin-2) of low molecular weight that are not antibodies, are secreted by T cells in response to stimulation by antigens, and have a role (such as the activation of macrophages or the enhancement or inhibition of antibody production) in cell-mediated immunity

Word History

Etymology

lymph- + -kine, from Greek kinein to move about — more at -kinesis

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

lymphokine

noun

lym·​pho·​kine ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌkīn 

: any of various substances (as an interleukin) of low molecular weight that are not antibodies, are secreted by T cells in response to stimulation by antigens, and have a role (as the activation of macrophages or the enhancement or inhibition of antibody production) in cell-mediated immunity