interleukin

one of several cytokines (molecules secreted by a cell to regulate other cells nearby, e.g. INTERFERON ) that act between LEUCOCYTES . There are eight interleukins currently recognized, and some are involved in functions such as the recognition of ANTIGENS , enhancing the action of MACROPHAGES and the production of other cytokines. An example is interleukin 2, which promotes the production of g-interferon and is used in the treatment of MELANOMA .