lymphokine

[ lim-fuh-kahyn ]
/ ˈlɪm fəˌkaɪn /

noun Immunology.

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.

Origin of lymphokine

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

Words nearby lymphokine

lymphoid leukemia, lymphoid series, lymphoid tissue, lymphoidectomy, lymphoidocyte, lymphokine, lymphokine-activated killer cell, lymphokinesis, lymphology, lymphoma, lymphomatoid granulomatosis

British Dictionary definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine
/ (ˈlɪmfəʊˌkaɪn) /

noun

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

Medical definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine
[ lĭm′fə-kīn′ ]

n.

Any of various soluble substances, released by sensitized lymphocytes on contact with specific antigens, that act by stimulating activity of monocytes and macrophages.

Scientific definitions for lymphokine

lymphokine
[ lĭm′fə-kīn′ ]

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.