Killer Cells, Natural

**Definition:** Bone marrow-derived lymphocytes that possess cytotoxic properties, classically directed against transformed and virus-infected cells. Unlike T CELLS; and B CELLS; NK CELLS are not antigen specific. The cytotoxicity of natural killer cells is determined by the collective signaling of an array of inhibitory and stimulatory CELL SURFACE RECEPTORS. A subset of T-LYMPHOCYTES referred to as NATURAL KILLER T CELLS shares some of the properties of this cell type.

**Tree numbers:** - A11.118.637.555.567.537 - A15.145.229.637.555.567.537 - A15.382.490.555.567.537

**Synonyms:** - Natural Killer Cells - NK Cells