KILLER CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Killer cells, also known as cytotoxic cells or effector cells, are a type of lymphocyte belonging to the immune system. They are an integral part of the body's natural defense mechanisms against harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
These specialized cells are primarily responsible for the elimination of infected or abnormal cells through a process known as apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Killer cells recognize and destroy these target cells by binding to specific markers called antigens that are present on the surface of the target cells. This recognition can be mediated by various receptors on the killer cell surface, such as the T-cell receptor (TCR) or the natural killer cell receptor (NKCR).
Upon recognition of a target cell, killer cells release toxic substances, including perforin and granzymes, to induce apoptosis in the target cell. Perforin forms pores in the cell membrane of the target, while granzymes enter the cell through these pores, leading to the activation of caspases and subsequent cell death.
Killer cells play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of killer cell that can rapidly respond to infected or malignant cells without prior exposure, providing an immediate innate immune response. On the other hand, cytotoxic T cells are a subset of killer cells that are a key component of adaptive immunity. They are derived from the thymus and require antigen presentation by other immune cells, such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), to recognize and eliminate specific infected or abnormal cells.
In summary, killer cells are specialized lymphocytes that recognize and destroy target cells through the induction of apoptosis. They are essential in maintaining the body's overall immune response against various pathogens and abnormal cell growth.
Common Misspellings for KILLER CELLS
- jiller cells
- miller cells
- liller cells
- oiller cells
- iiller cells
- kuller cells
- kjller cells
- kkller cells
- koller cells
- k9ller cells
- k8ller cells
- kikler cells
- kipler cells
- kioler cells
- kilker cells
- kilper cells
- kiloer cells
- killwr cells
- killsr cells
- killdr cells
Etymology of KILLER CELLS
The term "killer cells" comes from the field of immunology. It refers to a specific group of white blood cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or natural killer cells (NK cells), that have the ability to recognize and destroy infected or abnormal cells in the body.
The word "killer" in this context is derived from the Latin word "cella", meaning "room" or "small chamber". The term "cella" is used to denote the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. When combined with "killer", it emphasizes the cells' capability to target and eliminate harmful entities within the body.
So, the term "killer cells" is a descriptive name based on the function and characteristics of these specialized immune cells.
