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.

Annotation

do not confuse with NATURAL KILLER T-CELLS; if subpopulations are discussed, coordinate IM with LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS (IM)

DUI

D007694 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0012035

Previous indexing

Cytotoxicity, Immunologic (1978-1982); Immunity, Cellular (1976-1982); Killer Cells (1978-1982)

History note

1983

Public note

1983