Cytotoxic T lymphocyte

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002842",
  "term": "Cytotoxic T lymphocyte",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A type of T lymphocyte (T cell) that recognizes and kills target cells, such as virus-infected cells or cancer cells. These cells express the CD8 co-receptor and are activated by specific antigens presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Upon activation, they release perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the target cell.",
  "synonyms": [
    "CD8+ T cell",
    "cytolytic T cell",
    "cytotoxic T cell",
    "killer T cell"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "CD8",
    "T lymphocyte",
    "CD3",
    "antigen receptor",
    "major histocompatibility complex class I molecule",
    "target cell"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1154 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/cytotoxic-t-lymphocyte/"
}