cytokine

noun

cy·​to·​kine ˈsī-tə-ˌkīn How to pronounce cytokine (audio)
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.
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.

Examples of cytokine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When a pregnant person gets Covid, their body may ramp up the production of cytokines — proteins involved in the immune response — that trigger inflammation. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024 Using statistical analyses, the team assessed how sociodemographic, environmental, clinical and nutritional factors reported by each person influenced the secretion of 13 cytokines in response to the various stimuli. Alejandra Manjarrez, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2024 Activating receptors involved in collagen production, blood vessel and capillary growth and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024 The authors of that study hypothesized that this is because chocolate flavonoids can cause your body to release more cytokines, a protein that tells your immune system to create more inflammation to fight off potential infection. Annie Blay, Allure, 16 Oct. 2023 For example, sugar has been shown to trigger the release of cytokines in the body, which can increase inflammation. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 Proinflammatory cytokines are part of the immune response in COVID-19 and scientists believe that some cytokines can augment tumor growth and proliferation. Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2023 When inflamed, cytokines are responsible for the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2023 There are also some indications that excessive cytokines (a protein associated with immune response) found in the brain may be present in those with epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2023

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.

Word History

Etymology

cyt- + -kine (as in lymphokine)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cytokine was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near cytokine

Cite this Entry

“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cytokine

noun
cy·​to·​kine ˈsīt-ə-ˌkīn How to pronounce cytokine (audio)
: any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (as interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system

More from Merriam-Webster on cytokine

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