IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Natural killer (NK) cells target and kill aberrant cells, such as virally infected and tumorigenic cells. Killing is mediated by cytotoxic molecules which are stored within secretory lysosomes, a specialized exocytic organelle found in NK cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cancer cells and infected cells often lose their MHC I, leaving them vulnerable to NK cell killing. Once the decision is made to kill, the NK cell releases cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, which leads to lysis of the target cell.

Detailed explanation-3: -What is the difference between cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells? Cytotoxic T-cells attack viruses when activated by an antigen. Natural killer cells don’t need activation to attack harmful cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -(NA-chuh-rul KIH-ler sel) A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with a virus. A natural killer cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called NK cell and NK-LGL.

Detailed explanation-5: -Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that can recognize and kill various types of malignant cells. Monitoring the activity of peripheral NK cells in patients affected by hematological malignancies may provide prognostic information or unveil ongoing tumor-specific immune responses.