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
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Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can increase levels of cytokines and other inflammatory proteins, contributing to low-grade, chronic inflammation.8
Prioritizing sleep—between 7-9 hours a night—can help keep inflammation in check and support your overall health.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
However, in some patients, the body releases too many cytokines, creating a cytokine storm—resulting in too much inflammation and potentially severe side effects such as lung problems and damage to other organs.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Antibodies mark and bind to foreign substances (such as germs) for destruction, whereas cytokines serve as messengers, informing and signaling the immune system to launch an attack against germs.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
Nano-curcumin therapy, a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
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Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
However, in some patients, the body releases too many cytokines, creating a cytokine storm—resulting in too much inflammation and potentially severe side effects such as lung problems and damage to other organs.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Antibodies mark and bind to foreign substances (such as germs) for destruction, whereas cytokines serve as messengers, informing and signaling the immune system to launch an attack against germs.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
Nano-curcumin therapy, a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cytokine
Dictionary Entries Near cytokine
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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