killer T cell

killer T cell

n.

See killer cell.

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killer T cell  (klr)

A large differentiated T cell that functions in cell-mediated immunity by attacking and lysing target cells that have specific surface antigens. Also called cytotoxic T cell, killer cell.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

killer T cell - T cell with CD8 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and binds to the infected cell and kill it CD8 cell, CD8 T cell, cytotoxic T cell, killer cell T cell, T lymphocyte - a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus; it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells