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killer cell

 
Dictionary: killer cell
 

n.

Any of various large differentiated T cells that recognize and lyse target cells bearing a specific foreign antigen, usually by infection with a virus, and that also function in defense against cancer cells. Also called cytotoxic T cell, killer T cell.


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Dental Dictionary: killer cell
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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.

 
Medical Dictionary: kill·er cell
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(kĭl'ər)
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.

 
WordNet: killer T cell
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Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: T cell with CD8 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and binds to the infected cell and kill it
  Synonyms: CD8 T cell, CD8 cell


 
 

 

Copyrights:

Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Medical Dictionary. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company Read more
WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.  Read more