killer cell

Học thuật
Thân thiện
killer cell

A killer cell targets a virus-infected cell in the body.

Definition

Noun: A type of white blood cell (specifically a T cell) that identifies and destroys infected or abnormal cells in the body. It recognizes specific markers (antigens) on the surface of a target cell, binds to it, and induces its death.

Usage

The term "killer cell" is used in immunology and medicine to describe a crucial component of the immune system's defense against viruses and cancer. - It is often preceded by the more specific terms "natural killer cell" (NK cell) or "cytotoxic T cell" (a type of T lymphocyte). - It functions as a subject or object in sentences discussing immune responses.

Examples
  • The body's killer cells are essential for fighting viral infections.
  • Researchers are studying how to enhance the activity of killer cells in cancer therapy.
  • A killer cell must first recognize its target before it can attack.
Advanced Usage
  • "Natural killer cell (NK cell)": A type of killer cell that is part of the innate immune system and can attack without prior sensitization to specific antigens.
    • Natural killer cells provide a rapid first line of defense against tumors and virally infected cells.
  • "Cytotoxic T cell": A type of killer cell that is part of the adaptive immune system and requires prior activation by a specific antigen.
    • Cytotoxic T cells are killer cells that are highly specific for the virus they have been programmed to fight.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL): A formal, technical synonym for a specific type of antigen-specific killer T cell.
  • NK cell: The standard abbreviation for "natural killer cell."
  • Lymphocyte: The broader category of white blood cells that includes killer cells.
Synonyms
  • Cytotoxic cell
  • Effector cell (in a specific immune context)
Related Phrases/Idioms

(This term is highly technical and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is almost exclusively scientific.)

killer cell

A killer cell targets a virus-infected cell in the body.

Noun
  1. T cell with CD8 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and binds to the infected cell and kill it

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống