1. Small signaling proteins secreted by cells that guide the movement and activation of immune cells, especially white blood cells, to sites of infection or inflammation.
Usage: technical; biology/immunology; plural form; singular is chemokine

Examples

• Chemokines are released by infected cells to attract immune cells to the site of infection.
• The body uses chemokines to coordinate the response of white blood cells during inflammation.
• Different types of chemokines bind to specific receptors on immune cells.
• Researchers study chemokines to better understand how the immune system fights pathogens.
• Chemokines play a crucial role in directing T cells to where they are needed most.