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
The vaccine decreases the number of organ systems affected and reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which are molecules associated with marked adverse outcomes during COVID illness.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2025
Those interactions release another neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the macrophages, inhibiting them from producing and releasing cytokines, thus putting the brakes on the inflammatory response.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2025
Physical damage to the skin releases inflammatory cytokines—proteins that control inflammation and trigger an immune response.5
Scratching the affected areas can make the areas larger.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 June 2025
These nerves control the release of cytokines, which are proteins released by immune cells to trigger inflammation.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cytokine
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Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2025
Those interactions release another neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the macrophages, inhibiting them from producing and releasing cytokines, thus putting the brakes on the inflammatory response.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2025
Physical damage to the skin releases inflammatory cytokines—proteins that control inflammation and trigger an immune response.5
Scratching the affected areas can make the areas larger.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 June 2025
These nerves control the release of cytokines, which are proteins released by immune cells to trigger inflammation.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 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 21 Aug. 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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