Interleukin-3

A protein that stimulates the immune system to develop mast cells and bone-marrow cells. Abbreviated IL-3.

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A cytokine derived from activated CD4+ lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells that increases production of monocytes. It acts in hematopoiesis by controlling production and differentiation of granulocytes. SYN: multicolony-stimulating factor.

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interleukin-3 -'thrē n an interleukin that is a colony-stimulating factor produced esp. by T cells stimulated by mitogen or antigen and that promotes the proliferation and differentiation of various stem cells (as hematopoietic stem cells)

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(IL-3) a lymphokine produced by antigen- or mitogen-activated T lymphocytes, which stimulates proliferation of hematopoietic as well as lymphoid stem cells; a colony-stimulating factor for all bone marrow progenitor cells. IL-3 supports the growth and differentiation of early hematopoietic and lymphoid stem cells as well as that of more mature hematopoietic cells, including granulocytes, macrophages, and mast cells.