Killercell
Killercell is a term used in immunology to refer to cytotoxic immune effector cells that destroy target cells, most commonly natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These cells are central to the body's defense against virus-infected cells and malignant transformations, and they can kill targets without prior exposure in the case of NK cells or after antigen-specific activation in CTLs.
Natural killer cells originate from lymphoid progenitors and mature in the bone marrow and secondary lymphoid
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes develop from naive T cells that have been activated by specific antigens presented
Clinical relevance includes roles in antiviral immunity, tumor immunosurveillance, and pregnancy. Therapeutic strategies aim to enhance