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)

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

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.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

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.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Before supplementation with Pu-erh tea, the mice demonstrated the same features of immune system deterioration seen in aging humans, including lower numbers of active T cells and natural killer cells. In addition, levels of the powerful pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were markedly elevated in the senescence-accelerated mice, compared with controls.

Restore Youthful Immune Function

Meyer-Monard et al., "Pre-emptive immunotherapy with purified natural killer cells after haploidentical SCT: a prospective phase II study in two centers," Bone Marrow Transplantation, vol.

High-Risk Leukemia: Past, Present, and Future Role of NK Cells

Severgnini et al., "Enhanced cytotoxic response of natural killer cells to lnterleukin-2 in alzheimer's disease," Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, vol.

Immunosenescence of Natural Killer Cells, Inflammation, and Alzheimer's Disease

Graham, "Natural killer cell neoplasms," Cancer, vol.

CD56-Negative Aggressive NK Cell Leukemia Relapsing as Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies: Case Report and Literature Review

Natural killer cells are characterized by the concomitantly increased interferon-gamma and cytotoxicity in acute resolved hepatitis B patients.

Natural killer cells in hepatitis B virus infection

Lorraine had to pay privately to find out whether she had a higher than usual level of natural killer cells as the treatment is not funded by the NHS.

MIRACLE OF LULU-ROSE; Baby joy for Liverpool mum after six miscarriages

Altfeld, "Control of human viral infections by natural killer cells," Annual Review of Immunology, vol.

Interferon-[alpha]-induced changes to natural killer cells are associated with the treatment outcomes in patients with HCV infections

Rosenberg, "Therapy of cancer using the adoptive transfer of activated killer cells and interleukin-2," Acta Haematologica, vol.

Influence of in vitro IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with Hsp-70-derived 14-mer peptide (TKD) on the expression of NK cell activatory and inhibitory receptors

Characterization of natural killer cells with anti-leukemia activity following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Differences in lymphocyte subpopulation count and function in cord, maternal and adult blood / Kordon kani, maternal ve eriskin kanda sayisal ve fonksiyonel lenfosit alt grup farkliliklari

The test will look for the presence of natural killer cells in the lining of the womb, which recent research has indicated could be a cause of repeat miscarriages.

'Killer cells' test could prevent miscarriages; PRIVATEWELSHCLINICAMONG FIRSTINUKTOOFFERSERVICE

And natural killer cells destroy virus-infected or cancer-ridden cells.

Back story: not just red stuff

He explains how platelets, macrophages, neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells perform their functions; and how skin, breast, prostate, and colon cancers emerge.

Guide to signal pathways in immune cells