cytokine

noun cy·to·kine \ ˈsī-tə-ˌkīn \

Updated on: 2 Apr 2018

Definition of cytokine

: any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (such as interleukin or interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system

Recent Examples of cytokine from the Web

An allergic reaction is an immune response that releases cytokines, protein molecules used in communication between cells.

— elizabeth landau, CNN, "Sad in the spring? Allergy-mood link is real," 23 Mar. 2018
Three patients in the Yescarta trial died from severe cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can occur when proteins called cytokines are released by active white blood cells and cause life-threatening inflammation.

— zoe sayler, Smithsonian, "This DNA-Based Attack Against Cancer May Just Work," 22 Mar. 2018
In female mice, which don’t have as much testosterone, mast cells instead produce pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called cytokines.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "Testosterone may protect men from autoimmune diseases," 2 Feb. 2018
To track physical changes caused by time in space, scientists measured Scott's metabolites (necessary for maintaining life), cytokines (secreted by immune system cells) and proteins (workhorses within each cell) before, during and after his mission.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Astronaut's DNA no longer matches that of his identical twin, NASA finds," 14 Mar. 2018
More recent research suggests that the body’s response to an injury like that caused by a tumor or an infection is to release messenger chemicals known as cytokines.

— lisa sanders, m.d., New York Times, "It Looked Like a Familiar Case of Depression, but Could It Be Something Else?," 18 Jan. 2018
With increases in body fat, fat storage cells get larger and this attracts invasion by immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "Is chronic inflammation public health enemy No. 1? It just might be," 18 Jan. 2018
Interferons flood your bloodstream and set up camp in your mucus, prompting more proteins called cytokines to join the battle.

— kate murphy, New York Times, "In the Flu Battle, Hydration and Elevation May Be Your Best Weapons," 12 Jan. 2018
Different messengers elicit different responses, and the cytokines triggered by certain cancers have been found to set off not only a robust immune inflammatory response but also the neurological changes that cause depression.

— lisa sanders, m.d., New York Times, "It Looked Like a Familiar Case of Depression, but Could It Be Something Else?," 18 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cytokine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cytokine

cyt- + -kine (as in lymphokine)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1974

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

cytokine

noun cy·to·kine \ ˈsīt-ə-ˌkīn \

medical Definition of cytokine

: any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (as interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system