Natural Killer Cell

Natural Killer Cell (pronunciation: /ˈnætʃərəl ˈkɪlər sɛl/), often abbreviated as NK cell, is a type of Lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the Immune System.

Etymology

The term "Natural Killer Cell" was coined in the 1970s due to the cell's innate ability to kill certain types of Cancer Cells and Virus-Infected Cells without the need for prior activation.

Function

Natural Killer Cells are part of the Innate Immune System and play a significant role in defending the host from Tumors and Virally Infected Cells. They are unique immune cells that are renowned for their capacity to recognize and kill a variety of Pathogens and Tumor Cells, independent of Antigen presentation or Antibody involvement, which is how other immune cells typically identify targets.

Related Terms

• Lymphocyte
• Immune System
• Cancer Cells
• Virus-Infected Cells
• Innate Immune System
• Tumors
• Pathogen
• Tumor Cell
• Antigen
• Antibody

See Also

• Adaptive Immune System
• Immunity
• White Blood Cell

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