Killer Cells, Natural
Synonyms
Cell, NK
Cell, Natural Killer
Cells, NK
Cells, Natural Killer
Killer Cell, Natural
NK Cell
NK Cells
Natural Killer Cell
Natural Killer Cells
Bone marrow-derived lymphocytes that possess cytotoxic properties, classically directed against transformed and virus-infected cells. Unlike T CELLS; and B CELLS; NK CELLS are not antigen specific. The cytotoxicity of natural killer cells is determined by the collective signaling of an array of inhibitory and stimulatory CELL SURFACE RECEPTORS. A subset of T-LYMPHOCYTES referred to as NATURAL KILLER T CELLS shares some of the properties of this cell type.
See Also