interleukin

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interleukin (inter-lew-kin) n. any of a family of 12 proteins that control aspects of haemopoiesis and the immune response. interleukin 2 (IL-2) an interleukin that stimulates T-lymphocytes to become natural killer cells. A recombinant form (aldesleukin, Proleukin), administered by subcutaneous injection, can be of benefit in the treatment of hypernephroma.

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