cytokine

cy·to·kine  (st-kn)

n.

Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular mediators in the generation of an immune response.

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[cyto- + Greek knein, to move; see kinin.]

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cytokine [ˈsaɪtəʊˌkaɪn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any of various proteins, secreted by cells, that carry signals to neighbouring cells. Cytokines include interferon

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cytokine  (st-kn)

Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular mediators in the generation of an immune response. Also called chemokine.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cytokine - any of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system protein - any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes; "a diet high in protein" TNF, tumor necrosis factor, tumour necrosis factor - a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis) lymphokine - a cytokine secreted by helper T cells in response to stimulation by antigens and that acts on other cells of the immune system (as by activating macrophages)