A mitogen is a chemical, usually some form of a protein that encourages a cell to commence cell division, triggering mitosis.

For example, plasma B cells can enter mitosis when they encounter an antigen matching their immunoglobulin. Mitogens trigger signal transduction pathways in which mitogen-activated protein kinase is involved, leading to mitosis.

Mitogens are often collectively known as somatomedins.

examples: PHA and conA are mitogens of T cells, LPS is a mitogen of B cells and PWM is a mitogen of T and B cells.

Mitosis | Biochemistry

Czynnik mitogenny