NATURAL KILLER Meaning and
Definition
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Natural killer cells (NK cells) are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are a subset of lymphocytes and are primarily involved in protecting the body against viral infections and malignant cells. NK cells are referred to as "natural killers" because they have the ability to recognize and destroy infected or aberrant cells without prior sensitization or activation.
The distinguishing feature of NK cells is their ability to discriminate between normal, healthy cells and abnormal cells. They achieve this recognition through a complex interplay of activating and inhibitory receptors, which are expressed on their cell surface. These receptors allow NK cells to identify cells that display altered patterns or levels of certain molecules, such as major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) or stress-induced molecules. Once they identify a target, NK cells release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, causing the infected or abnormal cells to undergo programmed cell death.
Furthermore, NK cells also produce various cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which play a key role in coordinating the immune response against infections and tumors. These cytokines help recruit and activate other immune cells, promoting a robust immune reaction.
Natural killer cells serve as a crucial first-line defense against viral infections and, through their innate ability to discriminate between healthy and aberrant cells, help maintain the overall integrity and health of the body. They provide an essential link between the innate and adaptive immune systems and contribute significantly to immune surveillance and antitumor immunity.
Common Misspellings for NATURAL KILLER
- batural killer
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Etymology of NATURAL KILLER
The term "natural killer" has a relatively straightforward etymology. The word "natural" comes from the Latin word "naturalis", meaning "by birth, inborn, innate", which is derived from "natura", meaning "nature" or "character". The word "killer" is derived from the Old English word "cwellan", meaning "to kill". Therefore, when combined, "natural killer" simply refers to a cell or organism that is inherently capable of killing without requiring prior sensitization or activation. In the context of immunology, natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can recognize and eliminate infected or transformed cells, playing a crucial role in the innate immune response.
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