Printer Friendly
Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary
1,520,858,202 visitors served.
forum mailing list For webmasters
?
New: Language forums
Dictionary/
thesaurus
Medical
dictionary
Legal
dictionary
Financial
dictionary
Acronyms
 
Idioms
Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
encyclopedia
?

interleukin
(redirected from interleukin-2)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.04 sec.

interleukin

Any of a class of naturally occurring proteins important in regulation of lymphocyte function. Several known types are recognized as crucial constituents of the body's immune system (see immunity). Antigens and microbes stimulate production of interleukins, which induce production of various types of lymphocytes in a complex series of reactions that ensure a plentiful supply of T cells that fight specific infectious agents.


interleukin
a substance extracted from white blood cells that stimulates their activity against infection and may be used to combat some forms of cancer


How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
?Page tools
Printer friendly
Cite / link
Email
Feedback
? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
and his colleagues knew that interleukin-2 can spur the growth of certain immune cells.
Studies suggesting that the naturally occurring substance interleukin-2 boosts the immune system's response to cancer prompted a research team to engineer cells to fight tumors in mice.
An elevated level of serum interleukin-2 receptor is a sensitive screening test in Kawasaki's syndrome.
 
Encyclopedia browser? ? Full browser
 
 
Encyclopedia
?

Disclaimer | Privacy policy | Feedback | Copyright © 2009 Farlex, Inc.
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Terms of Use.