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
Previous studies have shown that physical exercise reduces bone loss in rats with periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of tooth-adjacent tissues, and reduces inflammatory chemicals called cytokines in mice.
—New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines bidirectionally modulate amygdala circuits regulating anxiety
Cell.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Researchers found cannabinoids can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and promote regulatory T cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune balance.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Another fascinating finding was that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 seemed to reduce anxiety.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
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New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines bidirectionally modulate amygdala circuits regulating anxiety
Cell.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Researchers found cannabinoids can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and promote regulatory T cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune balance.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Another fascinating finding was that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 seemed to reduce anxiety.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 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 4 Jul. 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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