Natural killer

Natural Killer

Natural killer (pronounced: /ˈnætʃərəl ˈkɪlər/), often abbreviated as NK, is a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune system of the body.

Etymology

The term "natural killer" was coined in the 1970s due to the cell's ability to kill certain cells without the need for prior activation. The term "natural" refers to the cell's innate ability to kill, while "killer" refers to the cell's function.

Function

Natural killer cells are a part of the innate immune system and play a crucial role in the body's defense against cancer and virus-infected cells. They are known for their rapid response to infected cells and tumor formation. They do not require antigen presentation or activation to kill cells that are missing "self" markers of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).