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.

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

This feature, essentially a failsafe, Young explained, allows CAR cells to take a break, which can be useful in terms of keeping cytokine production from getting out of control and from becoming exhausted from working too long without time to rejuvenate. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

Only hot water immersion produced a measurable inflammatory response, shown through changes in immune cell populations and levels of inflammatory cytokines, Atencio explained. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

cyt- + -kine (as in lymphokine)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cytokine

• cytokine release syndrome
• cytokine storm
• cytokine storm syndrome

Rhymes for cytokine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Medical 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