Natural Killer Cell

**Semantic type:** Cell

**Definition:** Natural killer cells are cells that resemble large granular lymphocytes. They do not express markers of either T or B cell lineage. They are positive for CD16, CD56, and CD 94. These cells do possess Fc receptors for IgG and can kill target cells using antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. They can also use perforin to kill cells in the absence of antibody and killing may occur without previous sensitization.

**Synonyms:** - Killer Cell - Killer Cells - NATURAL KILLER CELL - NK - NK Cell - NK Cells - NK cell - NK-Cell - NK-LGL - killer cell - natural killer cell