Cytokine

/sˈaɪtəkˌaɪn/

/sˈaɪɾəkˌaɪn/

[noun]

Cytokine

[NOUN]

a small protein that regulates immune responses and cell communication in the human body

What is "cytokine"?

Cytokine is a small protein secreted by various cells in the human body, including immune cells, and plays a crucial role in cell signaling and regulation of immune responses. They act as chemical messengers, coordinating and modulating the immune system's activities, such as inflammation, cell growth, and differentiation. Cytokines help facilitate communication between different cells and are essential for maintaining proper immune function and homeostasis in the body.

Examples

1. These cytokines control the proliferation, differentiation and survival or death of the various progenitors.

2. These cytokines also change your metabolism.

3. Well, cytokine release is just an inflammatory cascade.

4. Cytokines are a family of proteins secreted by immune system cells.