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
As fat storage cells get larger, this attracts invasion by immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2024
The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
This immune malfunction is typically accompanied by the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024
The researchers noted that ginger and turmeric reduced the production of cytokines (which are inflammatory proteins) and decreased the production of inflammatory cells.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cytokine 
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.
Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2024
The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
This immune malfunction is typically accompanied by the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024
The researchers noted that ginger and turmeric reduced the production of cytokines (which are inflammatory proteins) and decreased the production of inflammatory cells.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cytokine
Dictionary Entries Near cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 27 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share