killer cells


kill·er cells

cytotoxic cells involved in antibody-dependent cell-mediated immune responses; they possess receptors for the Fc portion of IgG molecules that lyse or damage IgG-coated target cells without mediation of complement. They are not MHC restricted. See: antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, CD8.
See also: natural killer cells. Synonym(s): K cell (2) , null cells (1)

kill·er cells

(kil'ĕr selz) Cytotoxic cells involved in antibody-dependent, cell-mediated immune responses.
Synonym(s): K cells, null cells (1) , T-cytotoxic cells.

killer cells

A subclass of large, granular LYMPHOCYTES that includes the natural killer (NK) cells and the killer (K) cells. These are important elements in the immune system and are the final effectors in the process by which damaged, infected or malignant cells are recognised and destroyed. At this stage in the process, killer cells act in conjunction with activated MACROPHAGES and cytotoxic T cells.