Interleukin Definition

ĭntər-lo͝okĭn
interleukins
noun
Any of various small proteins that are produced by a variety of cell types, especially T cells and other white blood cells, and that regulate many aspects of inflammation and the immune response, including stimulating the production of white blood cells and platelets.
American Heritage Medicine
Any of a closely related family of polypeptides, derived from many cell types, that stimulate several components of the inflammatory response, including fever; lymphocyte activating factor.
Webster's New World
Any of a family of cytokines that are released by macrophages and other cells and stimulate the inflammatory response.
American Heritage
A glycoprotein lymphocyte product that stimulates the growth of T cells and is used experimentally in cancer therapy; T cell growth factor.
Webster's New World
A cytokine that is released by T cells in response to an antigen and that regulates the growth and differentiation of B cells, monocytes, and many types of T cells. It has been used experimentally to treat cancer.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Interleukin

Noun

Singular:
interleukin
Plural:
interleukins

Origin of Interleukin

  • inter– leuk(o)– –in

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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