interleukin
noun
in·ter·leu·kin
ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən 
: any of various cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity
—often used with an identifying number —abbreviation IL
see also interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6
Examples of interleukin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a study, people who followed the Mediterranean diet and consumed nuts experienced decreased inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6).6
6.
—
Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025
Two cytokines were measured: interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and interleukin 2-R (IL-2R).
—New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
In addition, the elevated interleukin 1B is typically seen in people with illnesses and inflammation, but this group was pretty healthy.
—New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, their interleukin 1B levels–those linked to inflammation–were higher.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
For example, the concentration of a cytokine called interleukin 6 (IL-6) can increase up to a thousandfold during an infection.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
These include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024
In ulcerative colitis, the main interleukins that cause inflammation are IL-12 and IL-23.
—Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
For example, when triggered, blood samples from smokers (current and former) released more signaling proteins called interleukins than the blood of nonsmokers—a warning sign that their white blood cells were kicking into overdrive.
—Celia Ford, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024
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Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025
Two cytokines were measured: interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and interleukin 2-R (IL-2R).
—New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
In addition, the elevated interleukin 1B is typically seen in people with illnesses and inflammation, but this group was pretty healthy.
—New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, their interleukin 1B levels–those linked to inflammation–were higher.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
For example, the concentration of a cytokine called interleukin 6 (IL-6) can increase up to a thousandfold during an infection.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
These include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024
In ulcerative colitis, the main interleukins that cause inflammation are IL-12 and IL-23.
—Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
For example, when triggered, blood samples from smokers (current and former) released more signaling proteins called interleukins than the blood of nonsmokers—a warning sign that their white blood cells were kicking into overdrive.
—Celia Ford, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Interleukin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
interleukin
noun
in·ter·leu·kin
ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən
: any of various compounds of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity
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