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
Another fascinating finding was that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 seemed to reduce anxiety.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Dengue virus prefers shock and awe, pushing dendritic cells to churn out molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which send the immune system into overdrive.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The Air Force is interested in the possibility of measuring cytokine biomarkers to monitor extreme stresses on pilots.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
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
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Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Dengue virus prefers shock and awe, pushing dendritic cells to churn out molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which send the immune system into overdrive.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The Air Force is interested in the possibility of measuring cytokine biomarkers to monitor extreme stresses on pilots.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
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
See All Example Sentences for cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 19 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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