LYMPHOKINES Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphokines are small protein molecules that are secreted by lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. These proteins act as signaling molecules, transmitting information between different cells of the immune system to regulate and modulate the immune response.
Lymphokines play a crucial role in coordinating the activities of various immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. They are particularly involved in mediating the communication and interaction between these cells during an immune response. By binding to specific receptors on target cells, lymphokines initiate a cascade of cellular events that ultimately affect the behavior and function of immune cells.
The functions of lymphokines include the activation and proliferation of immune cells, regulation of antibody production, promotion of inflammation, and enhancement of immune surveillance against foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. Additionally, lymphokines can also exert immunosuppressive effects by suppressing certain aspects of the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation or tissue damage.
Due to their diverse functions and roles, lymphokines have significant implications in various disease conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and cancer. Research on lymphokines and their interactions has helped to unravel the complex workings of the immune system and has contributed to the development of therapeutic interventions aimed at manipulating the immune response.
In conclusion, lymphokines are protein molecules secreted by lymphocytes that regulate and modulate immune responses by acting as signaling molecules between immune cells.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOKINES
- kymphokines
- pymphokines
- oymphokines
- ltmphokines
- lgmphokines
- lhmphokines
- lumphokines
- l7mphokines
- l6mphokines
- lynphokines
- lykphokines
- lyjphokines
- lymohokines
- lymlhokines
- lym-hokines
- lym0hokines
- lympgokines
- lympbokines
- lympnokines
- lympjokines
Etymology of LYMPHOKINES
The word "lymphokines" is derived from two parts: "lympho-" and "-kines".
1. Lympho-: This prefix refers to the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that transport lymph and participate in the immune response. It comes from the Greek word "lympha", meaning "water" or "lymph".
2. -kines: This suffix is derived from the Greek word "kinesis", meaning "movement" or "motion". It is commonly used in biology to indicate substances that are involved in cellular movement or communication.
Putting them together, "lymphokines" can be interpreted as substances involved in the movement or communication of cells within the lymphatic system.
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