1. Small signaling proteins produced by cells that regulate immune response, inflammation, and cell growth; plural of cytokine.
Usage: Used in biology and medicine; Typically plural form; singular is 'cytokine'

Examples

• Cytokines are released by immune cells to communicate with other cells during an infection.
• The body produces cytokines to trigger inflammation and fight off pathogens.
• Researchers study cytokines to understand how the immune system responds to disease.
• Certain cytokines promote cell division and tissue repair.
• Interferon and interleukin are examples of important cytokines in the immune response.