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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The researchers looked at cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and levels of cytokines, signaling proteins that modulate the immune response, including inflammation.
—New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
There was also evidence of uncontrolled inflammatory response in the brains of older rats after three days, identified through a change in levels of proteins known as cytokines.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Eggs Eating enough protein is essential for immune health because protein is necessary for producing antibodies and cytokines.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
The signals do this by telling certain immune cells to stop producing inflammatory proteins called cytokines.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
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New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
There was also evidence of uncontrolled inflammatory response in the brains of older rats after three days, identified through a change in levels of proteins known as cytokines.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Eggs Eating enough protein is essential for immune health because protein is necessary for producing antibodies and cytokines.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
The signals do this by telling certain immune cells to stop producing inflammatory proteins called cytokines.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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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