- natural killer cell
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Immunol.a small killer cell that destroys virus-infected cells or tumor cells without activation by an immune system cell or antibody. Cf. killer T cell.
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Universalium. 2010.
natural killer cell
Look at other dictionaries:
Natural killer cell — Latin lymphocytus K Code TH H2.00.04.1.02006 Natural killer cells (or NK cells) are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte that constitute a major component of the innate immune system. NK cells play a major role in the rejection of … Wikipedia
natural killer cell — n a large granular lymphocyte capable esp. of destroying tumor cells or virally infected cells without prior exposure to the target cell and without having it presented with or marked by a histocompatibility antigen called also NK cell … Medical dictionary
natural killer cell — nat′ural kill′er cell n. bai (mcr imv)imu a small killer cell that destroys virus infected cells or tumor cells without activation by an immune system cell or antibody Compare killer T cell … From formal English to slang
natural killer cell — noun Date: 1975 a large granular lymphocyte capable of killing a tumor or microbial cell without prior exposure to the target cell and without having it presented with or marked by a histocompatibility antigen called also NK cell … New Collegiate Dictionary
natural killer cell — NK cell a type of lymphocyte that is able to kill virus infected cells and cancerous cells and mediates rejection of bone marrow grafts. NK cells are a part of natural (or innate) immunity. Their function is regulated by a balance between… … The new mediacal dictionary
natural killer cell — NK cell. A type of white blood cell that contains granules with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or microbial cells. Also called large granular lymphocyte and NK cell … English dictionary of cancer terms
natural killer cell — noun : a large granular lymphocyte capable of killing a tumor or microbial cell without prior exposure to the target cell and without having it presented with or marked by a histocompatibility antigen called also NK cell … Useful english dictionary
natural killer cell — noun Any cell that expresses cell surface receptors that deliver signals to either activate or inhibit a response as part of the immune system … Wiktionary
natural killer cell — (NK cell) A non T, non B lymphocyte present in nonimmunized individuals that exhibits MHC independent cytolytic activity against tumor cells … Dictionary of microbiology
natural killer cell — a type of lymphocyte that is able to kill virus infected cells and cancerous cells and mediates rejection of bone marrow grafts. NK cells are a part of natural (or innate) immunity. Their function is regulated by a balance between activating… … Medical dictionary
