What does interleukin mean?
An interleukin is a type of cytokine, or chemical messenger, involved in communication within the immune system. These proteins are produced by immune cells and other tissues and can promote cell growth, activation, differentiation, or inflammation. Individual interleukins are commonly identified by numbers, including interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and interleukin-6, each of which has distinct biological effects. The term is most common in immunology, medicine, and molecular biology, where it describes both individual signaling molecules and the broader networks they form. Some interleukins are also used as medicines or targets in drug development because altering their activity can influence immune responses. The word combines the prefix inter-, suggesting communication between cells, with leukin, a term associated with leukocytes and immune-cell activity.
nounA class of signaling proteins, or cytokines, that help regulate the growth, activation, and communication of immune cells. Interleukins are produced by leukocytes and other cells and act mainly within the immune system.
- Any of a group of cytokines that transmit signals between immune cells and regulate immune-cell growth, activation, and differentiation.
"The treatment increased the production of interleukin-2, helping the patient's immune cells respond more effectively."
"Researchers measured interleukin-6 levels in the blood to assess the degree of inflammation."
"Some interleukin signaling pathways promote inflammation, while others help immune cells develop and function."
The plural is used when referring to several distinct interleukin molecules or to the group collectively.
"Several interleukins help regulate the balance between inflammation and immune tolerance."
Interleukins are the immune system's chemical messengers, helping cells coordinate defenses with precise timing and targets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interleukin come from?
Interleukin was coined in the 1970s as a name for substances that mediated communication between leukocytes, or white blood cells. Its formation combines the prefix inter-, meaning between, with leukin, an earlier term associated with leukocyte-derived signaling substances. As research on cytokines expanded, the individual molecules became distinguished by numerical names.
How interleukin is actually used
Interleukin is primarily a technical term in immunology, medicine, and molecular biology. In clinical contexts, an individual molecule may be identified by a number, such as interleukin-2 or interleukin-6. The word is also used more broadly in biomedical research when referring to the signaling system as a whole.