LYMPHOKINE Meaning and
Definition
-
A lymphokine is a type of signaling molecule or substance that is released by lymphocytes, a subset of white blood cells, primarily in response to an immune or inflammatory stimulus. It is considered a regulatory protein involved in the cellular communication within the immune system.
Lymphokines are produced by cells of the immune system, including T cells and B cells. They function as chemical messengers, carrying signals between immune cells to regulate their activities, including the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes. Lymphokines play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by influencing numerous processes such as the recruitment and activation of other immune cells, production of antibodies, and regulation of inflammation.
These signaling molecules can have diverse functions and effects on different immune cells, depending on the specific lymphokine involved. They can promote or inhibit the production and activity of various immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and other lymphocytes. Additionally, lymphokines can modulate the expression of surface receptors or influence the secretion of other molecules involved in immune responses.
The identification, characterization, and understanding of lymphokines have been critical in the field of immunology and have contributed to the development of therapies for various immune disorders and diseases. By targeting lymphokines and their interactions, researchers and clinicians can manipulate and regulate immune responses to treat conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOKINE
- kymphokine
- pymphokine
- oymphokine
- ltmphokine
- lgmphokine
- lhmphokine
- lumphokine
- l7mphokine
- l6mphokine
- lynphokine
- lykphokine
- lyjphokine
- lymohokine
- lymlhokine
- lym-hokine
- lym0hokine
- lympgokine
- lympbokine
- lympnokine
Etymology of LYMPHOKINE
The word "lymphokine" is derived from two root words: "lympho" and "kine".
"Lympho" is derived from the Greek term "lympha", which refers to clear water or a pure stream, and in the medical context, it specifically refers to the colorless liquid present in the lymphatic system.
The term "kine" is derived from the Greek word "kinesis", meaning movement. In biology and medicine, it often refers to signaling molecules or substances that are involved in cellular movement or communication.
Therefore, when combined, "lymphokine" refers to substances or molecules that are produced and secreted by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and are involved in immune responses and cellular communication within the lymphatic system.
Similar spelling words for LYMPHOKINE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
