Citotoxic

Cytotoxic refers to a substance or process that is toxic or poisonous to cells. This toxicity can manifest in various ways, leading to cell damage, dysfunction, or even cell death, a process known as apoptosis or necrosis. Cytotoxic agents are often employed in medicine, particularly in cancer chemotherapy, where they are designed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

In the context of the immune system, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. These specialized cells can identify and kill infected cells or abnormal cells, such as those that have become cancerous, thereby protecting the body from disease.

The mechanisms by which cytotoxicity occurs are diverse and can include direct damage to cellular components, disruption of essential metabolic pathways, induction of DNA damage, or triggering programmed cell death. Understanding the principles of cytotoxicity is vital in fields ranging from toxicology and pharmacology to immunology and cancer biology. The development of targeted cytotoxic therapies aims to maximize the destruction of harmful cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.