killer cell

killer cell

n.

Any of various large differentiated T cells that recognize and lyse target cells bearing a specific foreign antigen, usually by infection with a virus, and that also function in defense against cancer cells. Also called cytotoxic T cell, killer T cell.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

killer 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 T cell T cell, T lymphocyte - a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus; it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells