Natural Killer Cell

**Semantic type:** Cell

**Definition:** Natural killer cells are large granular lymphocytes which do not express markers of either T or B cell lineage. 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 Cells - Killer Cells, Natural - NK - NK - NK Cell - NK Cell - NK Cells - NK cells - NK-Cell - killer cells - natural killer cells