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natural killer cell
(redirected from Killer cells, natural)

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natural killer cell
n.
Abbr. NK cell A killer cell that is activated by double-stranded RNA and fights off viral infections and tumors.
Natural killer (NK) cell
A lymphocyte that acts as a primary immune defense against infection.
Mentioned in: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
natural killer cell (NK cell)
Etymology: L, natura + ME, kullen, to kill, cella, storeroom
a lymphocyte that is capable of binding to and killing virus-infected cells and some tumor cells by releasing cytotoxins. It is found in the bone marrow and spleen. Its cytotoxic activity is not antibody-dependent but is augmented by interferon. Compare killer cell, killer T cells. See also null cell.


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