K CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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K cells refer to a type of immune cells, also known as natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are a subset of lymphocytes that are a crucial component of the innate immune response, which plays a vital role in combating viral infections and certain types of cancer. K cells are named so because they express a surface protein called CD56.
K cells are primarily involved in the surveillance and elimination of abnormal cells, such as those infected by viruses or transformed by cancerous mutations. They possess the ability to directly recognize and destroy these target cells, without prior sensitization like T lymphocytes. K cells use a variety of mechanisms to carry out their function, such as releasing cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes that induce cell death, secreting cytokines that enhance immune responses, and initiating apoptosis in the target cells.
These immune cells are commonly found in tissues such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, as well as in smaller numbers circulating in the bloodstream. They are capable of discerning healthy cells from abnormal ones through a process called "missing self-recognition," where they recognize cell surface proteins that are absent or reduced on healthy cells, but present on infected or transformed cells.
Overall, K cells are a critical component of the immune system and contribute to the body's defense against viral infections and cancer by efficiently eliminating abnormal cells.
Common Misspellings for K CELLS
- K Cmlls
- K Calls
- K Cglls
- K Cedls
- K Cehls
- K Cenls
- K Cemls
- K Celds
- K Celhs
- K Celns
- K Celms
- K Cell3
- K Cellc
- K Cellq
- K Cellr
- ksells
- k c ells
- k ce lls
- k cel ls
- k cell s
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