interleukin

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interleukin Any of several cytokines that act specifically as mediators between leucocytes. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is secreted by antigen-activated macrophages; it induces activated helper T cells to secrete interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-2 stimulates the production of other cytokines, including B-cell growth factor, B-cell differentiation factor, colony-stimulating factor, and γ-interferon. Interleukin-3 is involved in regulating mast-cell proliferation, and interleukin-4 induces B cells to proliferate and produce antibodies. More than 20 interleukins are now known to exist, and some are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology, for use as therapeutic agents.

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