chemokine /che·mo·kine/ (ke´mo-kīn) any of a group of low molecular weight cytokines identified on the basis of their ability to induce chemotaxis or chemokinesis in leukocytes (or in particular populations of leukocytes) in inflammation.
chemokine
che·mo·kine (k  m -k n , k mm-)n. Any of various cytokines produced in acute and chronic inflammation that mobilize and activate white blood cells. |
chemokine
[kē′mōkīn]
Etymology: Gk, chemeia, alchemy + kinēsis, movement
any of a group of low-molecular-weight cytokines, such as interleukin-8, identified on the basis of their ability to induce chemotaxis or chemokinesis in leukocytes (or in particular populations of leukocytes) in inflammation. The group is divided into four subgroups on the basis of genetic, structural, and functional criteria. They function as regulators of the immune system and may also play roles in the circulatory and central nervous systems. See also cytokine.
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