- 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 . 2015.
natural killer cell
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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 — 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. * * * … Universalium
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 — 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
