killer cell
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.
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.
- 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.
- "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.
- 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.
- Cytotoxic cell
- Effector cell (in a specific immune context)
(This term is highly technical and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is almost exclusively scientific.)
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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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