chemokine

noun

che·​mo·​kine ˌkē-mō-ˈkīn How to pronounce chemokine (audio)
: any of a group of cytokines produced by various cells (as at sites of inflammation) that stimulate chemotaxis in white blood cells (such as neutrophils and T cells)

Examples of chemokine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Blood samples were taken to measure cytokines and chemokines, signaling proteins that help regulate inflammation and immune activity, and monocytes, white blood cells that help fight infection and heal damage. — New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025 The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation. — Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

chemo- + -kine (in cytokine)

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemokine was in 1992

Rhymes for chemokine

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chemokine
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Cite this Entry

“Chemokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemokine. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

chemokine

noun
che·​mo·​kine
-ˈkīn
: any of a group of chemotactic cytokines that are produced by various cells (as at sites of inflammation), that are thought to provide directional cues for the movement of white blood cells (as T cells, monocytes, and neutrophils), and that include some playing a role in HIV infection because the cell surface receptors to which they bind are also used by specific strains of HIV for entry into cells
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