killer cell

kill·er cell (klr)

n.

A large differentiated T cell that attacks and lyses target cells bearing specific antigens. Also called cytotoxic T cell, killer T cell, null cell.

---

killer cell,

a lymphocyte that lacks B or T cell markers. It is the effector cell of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity; it recognizes antibodies on target cells and lyses those cells through a cell-cell interaction that does not require complement. Compare killer T cells, natural killer cell. See also null cell.

---

killer cell,

n a lymphocyte that develops in the bone marrow and lacks the characteristic surface markers of the B and T lymphocytes. Killer or null cells represent a small proportion of the lymphocyte population. Stimulated by the presence of an antibody, null cells can attach certain cellular targets directly and are known as
natural killer cells.

---

killer cell

see K cells.