Natural Killer (NK) Cell

A type of lymphocyte of the innate immune system that recognizes and kills infected cells (e.g., virus-infected) and cancer cells without prior sensitization.

Key Functions:

• Identifies and kills target cells lacking MHC class I molecules.
• Releases cytotoxic granules (perforin and granzymes) to induce apoptosis.
• Plays a crucial role in early defense against viral infections and tumor surveillance.

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Lymphocyte (type of)
• Immune System (component of innate immunity)
• Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC class I, recognizes absence of)
• Cytokine (responds to and produces)