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
Recent Examples on the Web
Positive well-being has been associated with lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and lower cardiovascular risk, which can reduce risk of cognitive impairments.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024
May Reduce Overall Inflammation In a small study among athletes competing in the North Sea Race, supplementation with cod liver oil specifically—as opposed to other omega-3 supplements—reduced the presence of inflammatory cytokines circulating in the athletes' blood after the race.
—Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
In one study, proinflammatory cytokines (molecules that promote inflammation) were reduced in people who were treated with colloidal oatmeal.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2024
In particular, experts highlight the role that inflammatory cytokines may play in autism risk.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cytokine 
Kristen Rogers, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024
May Reduce Overall Inflammation In a small study among athletes competing in the North Sea Race, supplementation with cod liver oil specifically—as opposed to other omega-3 supplements—reduced the presence of inflammatory cytokines circulating in the athletes' blood after the race.
—Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
In one study, proinflammatory cytokines (molecules that promote inflammation) were reduced in people who were treated with colloidal oatmeal.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2024
In particular, experts highlight the role that inflammatory cytokines may play in autism risk.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cytokine
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cytokine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 7 Sep. 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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