PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Killer T cells are called “cytotoxic” or “cytolytic” because they possess special molecular weapons that enable them to directly attack and destroy other cells displaying targets they recognize, for example, a virus-infected cell or even a cancerous cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -Armed effector cytotoxic CD8 T cells are essential in host defense against pathogens that live in the cytosol, the commonest of which are viruses. These cytotoxic T cells can kill any cell harboring such pathogens by recognizing foreign peptides that are transported to the cell surface bound to MHC class I molecules.

Detailed explanation-3: -Natural killer T cells are a type of T cell that also have certain features of natural killer (NK) cells. They can kill invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by releasing cytokines. They can also kill certain cells, such as cancer cells, either directly or by causing other immune cells to kill them.