Killer Cells, Natural

Synonyms

Cell, NK

Cell, Natural Killer

Cells, NK

Cells, Natural Killer

Killer Cell, Natural

NK Cell

NK Cells

Natural Killer Cell

Natural Killer Cells

Bone marrow-derived lymphocytes that possess cytotoxic properties, classically directed against transformed and virus-infected cells. Unlike T CELLS; and B CELLS; NK CELLS are not antigen specific. The cytotoxicity of natural killer cells is determined by the collective signaling of an array of inhibitory and stimulatory CELL SURFACE RECEPTORS. A subset of T-LYMPHOCYTES referred to as NATURAL KILLER T CELLS shares some of the properties of this cell type.