Target cell

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011817",
  "term": "Target cell",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A cell that is specifically affected by a particular hormone, drug, or other chemical messenger due to the presence of specific receptors on its surface or within its cytoplasm. These receptors bind to the signaling molecule, initiating a cellular response. In immunology, target cells are often recognized and destroyed by immune effector cells.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "cytotoxic T lymphocyte",
    "killer cell",
    "natural killer cell"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1251 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/target-cell/"
}