Natural killer cell

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007778",
  "term": "Natural killer cell",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A type of lymphocyte that belongs to the innate immune system and can recognize and kill target cells, such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells, without prior sensitization. These cells identify abnormal cells by detecting changes in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule expression on the cell surface. They release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in target cells.",
  "synonyms": [
    "NK cell"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "T-cell receptor",
    "lymphocyte",
    "major histocompatibility complex molecule"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1219 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/natural-killer-cell/"
}