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Cytokines

Definition: Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some non-leukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner.
Notes: /biosyn /drug eff /physiol /ultrastruct permitted
Previously Indexed: Biological Factors (1989-1990),Biological Products (1976-1988)

Cytokines Categories.
Lymphokines - Soluble protein factors generated by activated lymphocytes that affect other cells, primarily those involved in cellular immunity.
Monokines - Soluble mediators of the immune response that are neither antibodies nor complement. They are produced largely, but not exclusively, by monocytes and macrophages.

Cytokines Definitions and Terms

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