Natural Killer Cells
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Immunology
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- Macrophages
- Neutrophils
- Dendritic Cells
- Mast Cells
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Natural Killer Cells
- Antigens
- MHC I and II
- Antibodies
- B Lymphocytes Overview
- B Cell Stages
- B-Cell Activation
- Plasma B-Cells
- Memory B-Cells
- T-Lymphocytes Overview
- T-Cell Stages
- Types of Activated T-Cells
Summary
NK cells, or natural killer cells, are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that work to directly kill abnormal cells. These abnormal cells usually express reduced amounts of MHC or major histocompatibility complex, which is a non-specific signal for viral infection or cancer.
Key Points
- Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)
- Lymphocyte member of innate immune system
- Kills abnormal cells (virus-infected or cancer)
- NK cells directly attack cells with reduced expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, which is often a sign of viral infection or cancer.