natural killer cell

noun

, Immunology.

1. a small killer cell that destroys virus-infected cells or tumor cells without activation by an immune system cell or antibody.

Example Sentences

Partners who showed no sign of infection were more likely to have a robust natural killer cell response, which could result in a stronger defense against infection.

From New York Times

Characterization of a cell line, NKL, derived from an aggressive human natural killer cell leukemia.

From Nature

Gismondi, A., Stabile, H., Nisti, P. & Santoni, A. Effector functions of natural killer cell subsets in the control of hematological malignancies.

From Nature

The Nlrp3 inflammasome suppresses colorectal cancer metastatic growth in the liver by promoting natural killer cell tumoricidal activity.

From Nature

Di Santo, J. P. Natural killer cell developmental pathways: a question of balance.

From Nature