Killer cell

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006334",
  "term": "Killer cell",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A leukocyte that destroys target cells by direct cell-mediated cytotoxicity, chiefly natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Natural killer cells, part of innate immunity, kill virus-infected and tumor cells without prior sensitization, whereas cytotoxic T lymphocytes belong to adaptive immunity and must first be activated by specific antigen. Both kill mainly by releasing perforin and granzymes onto the target.",
  "synonyms": [
    "K cell"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "cell-mediated cytotoxicity",
    "cytotoxic T lymphocyte",
    "macrophage",
    "monocyte",
    "natural killer cell",
    "natural killer T cell",
    "neutrophil"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1199 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/killer-cell/"
}