Tappisoluilla

Tappisoluilla is a Finnish term used in immunology to refer to cytotoxic lymphocytes, or killer cells, that destroy virus-infected or malignant cells. The word combines tappisolu (killer cell) with the instrumental case ending -illa, and appears in scientific and medical texts when discussing cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

In immunology, killer cells comprise mainly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. CTLs recognize specific antigens presented by MHC class I molecules on target cells, while NK cells detect stressed or abnormal cells through activating and inhibitory receptors.

Mechanisms of action include the perforin–granzyme pathway, which induces apoptosis in target cells, and Fas–FasL interactions. NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) via CD16, enhancing killing in concert with antibodies.

Physiological roles include antiviral defense, tumor surveillance, and regulation of immune responses. Clinically, strategies to harness tappisoluilla include adoptive cell therapies (such as CAR-T and CAR-NK cells) and monoclonal antibodies that recruit killer cells. Challenges include tumor immune evasion, potential autoimmunity, and the need to balance efficacy with safety.