Definition:
It's pretty clear from their name that natural killer cells mean business. But whose side are they on? Fortunately, ours. Natural killer cells are sort of like Grimm Reapers for hire. Your immune system employs them to kill tumor and virus-infected cells, a feat they accomplish by simply touching their targets.
The science behind it is that the surface of natural killer cells has a certain chemical composition and the surface of the target cells has a different chemical composition. When one surface touches the other, a lethal chain reaction begins and it's game over for the tumor cells.
Sources:
It's pretty clear from their name that natural killer cells mean business. But whose side are they on? Fortunately, ours. Natural killer cells are sort of like Grimm Reapers for hire. Your immune system employs them to kill tumor and virus-infected cells, a feat they accomplish by simply touching their targets.
The science behind it is that the surface of natural killer cells has a certain chemical composition and the surface of the target cells has a different chemical composition. When one surface touches the other, a lethal chain reaction begins and it's game over for the tumor cells.
Sources:
- HON Glossary. "Natural Killer Lymphocyte."
- National Library of Medicine. "Natural Killer Cells."
- Webster's Online Dictionary. "Natural Killer Cells."
Also Known As: K cells, killer cells, K lymphocytes, large granular lymphocytes, and NK cells
