What does lymphokine mean?
A lymphokine is a type of cytokine produced by lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Lymphokines play a crucial role in the immune response, facilitating communication between different immune cells and coordinating their actions. They are involved in various processes, including inflammation, immune cell activation, and the elimination of pathogens. Lymphokines are essential for a proper immune response, and dysregulation of their production or function has been implicated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. Understanding lymphokines is important for the development of new treatments for immune-related diseases.
nounA type of cytokine produced by lymphocytes, involved in the immune response.
- A cytokine produced by lymphocytes
"The researchers studied the effects of lymphokine on the immune system's response to infection."
"The researchers studied the effects of lymphokine on the immune system's response to infection."
"Lymphokines play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response."
Countable, used to refer to multiple types or instances of lymphokines.
"The study identified several different lymphokines that were produced in response to the infection."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lymphokine
The term 'lymphokine' was first used in the 1960s to describe a type of cytokine produced by lymphocytes. The word is derived from 'lymphocyte', a type of white blood cell, and 'cytokine', a class of signaling molecules. Lymphokines are a subset of cytokines that are produced by lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells.
How lymphokine is actually used
Formal or technical contexts, often used in immunology or medical research.