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
Adverse events in childhood trigger the fight-flight-freeze response, releasing inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones.
—Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024
The formula contains 3,000 active growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes in a single milliliter and has been proven to increase follicle cell growth by 24 percent.
—Ahmed Zambarakji, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2024
The vagus nerve quiets this overactive defense by reducing the production of cytokines, signaling chemicals that promote inflammation.
—Shi En Kim, Scientific American, 28 Dec. 2023
There’s some evidence that vitamin D helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal immune cells to fight threats such as viruses and bacteria.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 16 Aug. 2023
Low-intensity, long-duration ultrasound treatment increases blood vessel diameters to improve blood flow, which increases oxygenated hemoglobin at the therapy site and removes cytokine enzymes and cellular waste to facilitate cellular regeneration and reduce pain.
—Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024
When a pregnant person gets Covid, their body may ramp up the production of cytokines — proteins involved in the immune response — that trigger inflammation.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024
Using statistical analyses, the team assessed how sociodemographic, environmental, clinical and nutritional factors reported by each person influenced the secretion of 13 cytokines in response to the various stimuli.
—Alejandra Manjarrez, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2024
Activating receptors involved in collagen production, blood vessel and capillary growth and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024
Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024
The formula contains 3,000 active growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes in a single milliliter and has been proven to increase follicle cell growth by 24 percent.
—Ahmed Zambarakji, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2024
The vagus nerve quiets this overactive defense by reducing the production of cytokines, signaling chemicals that promote inflammation.
—Shi En Kim, Scientific American, 28 Dec. 2023
There’s some evidence that vitamin D helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal immune cells to fight threats such as viruses and bacteria.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 16 Aug. 2023
Low-intensity, long-duration ultrasound treatment increases blood vessel diameters to improve blood flow, which increases oxygenated hemoglobin at the therapy site and removes cytokine enzymes and cellular waste to facilitate cellular regeneration and reduce pain.
—Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024
When a pregnant person gets Covid, their body may ramp up the production of cytokines — proteins involved in the immune response — that trigger inflammation.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024
Using statistical analyses, the team assessed how sociodemographic, environmental, clinical and nutritional factors reported by each person influenced the secretion of 13 cytokines in response to the various stimuli.
—Alejandra Manjarrez, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2024
Activating receptors involved in collagen production, blood vessel and capillary growth and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cytokine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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