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Natural killer cells are activated by recognizing abnormal cells, such as infected or cancerous cells, through specific receptors on their surface. Once activated, they release toxic substances to destroy these target cells. Natural killer cells play a crucial role in the immune response by providing rapid and non-specific defense against infected or abnormal cells, helping to prevent the spread of pathogens and tumors in the body.

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How are natural killer (NK) cells activated in the immune response?

Natural killer (NK) cells are activated in the immune response through a process called "priming." This involves the recognition of infected or abnormal cells by NK cell receptors, which then trigger the release of cytotoxic molecules to destroy the target cells. Additionally, cytokines released by other immune cells can also stimulate NK cell activity.


What is the difference between the innate immune response and the acquired immune response?

The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and is non-specific, meaning it does not target specific pathogens. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. The acquired immune response is more specialized and involves the activation of immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes that target specific pathogens based on memory from past exposures.


False or true Immune surveillance by natural killer cells is one of the bodys most potent defenses against cancer?

True. Natural killer cells play a crucial role in immune surveillance by recognizing and eliminating cancerous cells, making them one of the body's important defenses against cancer. They can directly kill cancer cells and also produce cytokines to enhance the immune response against cancer.


How does a natural killer cell defend the body against infection?

Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that can directly kill infected cells and tumor cells. They promote the immune response by releasing chemicals that attract other immune cells to the site of infection. By targeting and destroying infected cells, natural killer cells help the body eliminate pathogens and limit the spread of infection.


Mounts an immune response by direct cell attack or via antibodies?

The immune response can mount a direct cell attack through cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, which can recognize and kill infected or abnormal cells. Alternatively, antibodies can be produced by B cells to target pathogens by neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells. Both mechanisms work together to help the body fight off infections and maintain immune surveillance.

Related Questions

How are natural killer (NK) cells activated in the immune response?

Natural killer (NK) cells are activated in the immune response through a process called "priming." This involves the recognition of infected or abnormal cells by NK cell receptors, which then trigger the release of cytotoxic molecules to destroy the target cells. Additionally, cytokines released by other immune cells can also stimulate NK cell activity.


What part of the nonspecific immune responce?

The nonspecific immune response, also known as the innate immune response, includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cellular components such as phagocytes (e.g., macrophages and neutrophils) and natural killer (NK) cells. It also involves the activation of complement proteins and the release of cytokines, which help coordinate the immune response and promote inflammation. This response acts quickly and broadly against pathogens, providing the first line of defense before the adaptive immune system is activated.


What is the difference between the innate immune response and the acquired immune response?

The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and is non-specific, meaning it does not target specific pathogens. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. The acquired immune response is more specialized and involves the activation of immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes that target specific pathogens based on memory from past exposures.


In the immune response what kind of cells trigger the production of b cells and killer t cells?

In the immune response, helper T cells (specifically CD4+ T cells) play a crucial role in triggering the production of B cells and cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells). When activated by antigen-presenting cells, helper T cells release cytokines that stimulate B cells to produce antibodies and enhance the activation and proliferation of killer T cells. This coordinated response is essential for effectively targeting and eliminating pathogens.


Why do killer cells cause rejection of an organ transplant?

Killer cells, specifically cytotoxic T cells, can cause rejection of an organ transplant because they recognize the transplanted tissue as foreign due to differences in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. When T cells identify these foreign antigens, they become activated and initiate an immune response, leading to the destruction of the transplanted cells. This rejection process is a natural defense mechanism of the immune system to protect the body from perceived threats. Immunosuppressive medications are often used to mitigate this response and promote transplant acceptance.


False or true Immune surveillance by natural killer cells is one of the bodys most potent defenses against cancer?

True. Natural killer cells play a crucial role in immune surveillance by recognizing and eliminating cancerous cells, making them one of the body's important defenses against cancer. They can directly kill cancer cells and also produce cytokines to enhance the immune response against cancer.


What directly attacks and lyses cellular pathogens?

One mechanism that directly attacks and lyses cellular pathogens is the complement system. This system consists of a group of proteins that can form pores on the cell membranes of pathogens, leading to cell lysis. Additionally, certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells or cytotoxic T cells, can release toxic substances that directly kill pathogens.


How does a natural killer cell defend the body against infection?

Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that can directly kill infected cells and tumor cells. They promote the immune response by releasing chemicals that attract other immune cells to the site of infection. By targeting and destroying infected cells, natural killer cells help the body eliminate pathogens and limit the spread of infection.


What chemicals secreted by t cells in response to antigens?

Cytokines such as interferrons and interleukins are secreted by the T cell in response to antigen. These chemicals are also secreted by B cells, dendrictic cells and natural killer cells. These chemicals are signalling agents that modulate (or properly control) the immune response


What is inteferons?

Interferons are proteins that are synthesized by the immune cells in response to pathogens and tumor cells. They are cytokines. Functions: Cell-cell communication. Activate and trigger immune defenses, for example natural killer (NK) cells) and macrophages. "Interfere" with viral replication in host cells


What are natural killer cell?

Natural killer cells are non-phagocytic large granular lymphocytes. They kill virus-infected or cancerous cells before adaptive immune response. Natural killer cells recognise abnormal cells by its lack of cell-surface receptors such as major histocompatibility complex class 1 molecules. The natural killer cells will then secret perforin which forms pores in the cell membrane of the target cell. This results in either apoptosis or osmotic cell lysis. Natural killer cells also secrete alpha-defensins, a type of antimicrobial molecule, to directly kill bacteria by disrupting their cell walls.


Mounts an immune response by direct cell attack or via antibodies?

The immune response can mount a direct cell attack through cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, which can recognize and kill infected or abnormal cells. Alternatively, antibodies can be produced by B cells to target pathogens by neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells. Both mechanisms work together to help the body fight off infections and maintain immune surveillance.