cytokine

/ˌsaɪdəˈkaɪn/

Other forms: cytokines

Definitions of cytokine

1. noun

   any of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system
   types:

   TNF, tumor necrosis factor, tumour necrosis factor

   a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)

   lymphokine

   a cytokine secreted by helper T cells in response to stimulation by antigens and that acts on other cells of the immune system (as by activating macrophages)

   interleukin

   any of several lymphokines that promote macrophages and killer T cells and B cells and other components of the immune system

   type of:

   protein

   any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes