Natural killer cells
Natural killer cells (pronounced: /ˈnætʃərəl ˈkɪlər sɛlz/), also known as NK cells or large granular lymphocytes (LGL), are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. The role NK cells play is analogous to that of cytotoxic T cells in the adaptive immune system. NK cells provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells, acting at around 3 days after infection, and respond to tumor formation.
Etymology
The term "natural killer cell" was coined in 1975. The "natural" in "natural killer" comes from the fact that these cells do not require activation to kill cells that are missing "self" markers of Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I.
Function
Natural killer cells are unique as they have the ability to recognize stressed cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing for a much faster immune reaction. They were named "natural killers" because of the initial notion that they do not require activation to kill cells that are missing "self" markers of MHC Class I. This role is especially important because harmful cells that are missing MHC I markers cannot be detected and destroyed by other immune cells, such as T cells.
Related Terms
- Cytotoxic lymphocyte
- Innate immune system
- Adaptive immune system
- Viral-infected cells
- Tumor formation
- Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
- Antibodies
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Natural killer cells
- Wikipedia's article - Natural killer cells
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