Killer T cells

Killer T cells (also known as Cytotoxic T cells or CD8+ T cells) are a type of T cell that play an integral role in the immune system's response to infected or cancerous cells. They are named for their ability to kill cells that are infected with viruses, or are otherwise damaged or dysfunctional.

Function

Killer T cells are able to recognize and bind to antigens on the surface of infected cells. Once bound, they release cytotoxic substances that cause the infected cell to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This process is crucial for the control of viral infections and the prevention of cancer.

Activation

Killer T cells are activated when they encounter an infected cell presenting a specific antigen on its surface. This antigen is recognized by the T cell receptor (TCR) on the Killer T cell, which triggers a series of intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation of the Killer T cell.

Role in Immunity

Killer T cells play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. They are responsible for directly killing infected cells, as well as for recruiting other immune cells and coordinating their response to the infection.

See Also

• T cell
• Immune system
• Antigen
• Apoptosis

References

Killer T cells Resources
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