cd8 cell
Definition
Noun: A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that is a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. Specifically, it is a T cell that carries the CD8 receptor (a glycoprotein) on its surface. Its primary function is to identify and destroy cells in the body that have been infected by viruses or have become cancerous.
Usage
A CD8 cell is a specialized immune cell. It is activated when it recognizes a specific antigen presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the surface of an infected or abnormal cell. Upon activation, it releases substances that kill the target cell.
Examples
- The patient's CD8 cell count is a key indicator for monitoring the progression of the viral infection.
- Researchers are studying how to enhance the activity of CD8 cells in cancer immunotherapy.
- The virus has developed mechanisms to evade detection by CD8 cells.
Advanced Usage
- Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL): This is a direct synonym and a more functional name for a CD8+ T cell, emphasizing its role in killing target cells.
- CD8+ T cell: The plus sign (+) indicates the positive presence of the CD8 receptor on the cell's surface. This is the standard notation in immunology.
Variants and Related Words
- Cytotoxic T cell: Another common term for a CD8 cell, highlighting its cytotoxic (cell-killing) function.
- Killer T cell: A more informal, descriptive name used in general science communication.
- CD4 cell: A different, helper type of T cell that coordinates the immune response, often discussed in contrast to CD8 cells.
Synonyms
- Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)
- Killer T cell
- CD8+ T cell
Related Phrases
- CD8 receptor / CD8 molecule: The specific surface protein that defines this cell type and is involved in antigen recognition.
- MHC class I restriction: The principle that CD8 cells only recognize antigens presented by MHC class I molecules.
- Cell-mediated immunity: The arm of the adaptive immune system in which CD8 cells are a primary effector.
Noun
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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
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