LEUCOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Leucolysin is a term used to describe a cytolytic peptide or protein that is primarily derived from leukocytes, which are white blood cells responsible for immune responses in the body. The word "leuco" in leucolysin is derived from the Greek word "leukos," meaning white, and "lysin" refers to the ability to cause lysis or destruction.
Leucolysins are part of a broader class of molecules known as antimicrobial peptides, which play crucial roles in the innate immune system by defending the body against pathogens. These peptides exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and are able to directly kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
The exact mechanism of action of leucolysins can vary depending on the specific molecule and the target organism. However, they typically work by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes, leading to the leakage of cellular contents and subsequent cell death. Leucolysins can also modulate immune responses by attracting and activating immune cells, enhancing the overall antimicrobial defense in the body.
Given their antimicrobial properties, leucolysins have garnered interest in medical and pharmaceutical research for their potential applications. They are being explored as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant infections. Additionally, leucolysins may hold promise in other areas such as wound healing, cancer therapy, and immunotherapy due to their ability to regulate immune responses and cell functions.
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Leucotoxin, leucocytolysin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOLYSIN
- keucolysin
- peucolysin
- oeucolysin
- lwucolysin
- lsucolysin
- lducolysin
- lrucolysin
- l4ucolysin
- l3ucolysin
- leycolysin
- lehcolysin
- lejcolysin
- leicolysin
- le8colysin
- le7colysin
- leuxolysin
- leuvolysin
- leufolysin
- leudolysin
- leucilysin
Etymology of LEUCOLYSIN
The word "leucolysin" is composed of two Greek roots - "Leuko" and "Lysin".
1. "Leuko" comes from the Greek word "leukos" (λευκός), which means "white" or "pale".
2. "Lysin" is derived from the Greek word "lysis" (λύσις), which means "loosening" or "dissolution".
Therefore, when combined, "leucolysin" can be interpreted as a substance or agent that causes the dissolution or breakdown of white cells.
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