lymphokine

[ lim-fuh-kahyn ]

noun

, Immunology.

1. any lymphocyte product, as interferon, that is not an antibody but may participate in the immune response through its effect on the function of other cells, as destroying antigen-coated cells or stimulating macrophages.

lymphokine

/ ˈlɪmfəʊˌkaɪn /

noun

1. immunol a protein, released by lymphocytes, that affects other cells involved in the immune response

lymphokine

/ lĭm′fə-kīn′ /

1. Any of various cytokines released by T cells that have been activated by specific antigens. Lymphokines act as mediators in the immune response by activating macrophages and stimulating lymphocyte production. Interferon is a lymphokine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lymphokine¹

1969; lympho(cyte) + -kine < Greek kīneîn to move; -kinin

Example Sentences

Last year, in one of immunotherapy's most promising clinical trials to date, Rosenberg's team used the hormone-like substance interleukin-2 to turn certain white blood cells into cancer destroyers called lymphokine- activated killers.

From Time Magazine Archive