Anatomy

Natural Killer Cells

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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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.

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Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • NK Cells
  • Cell, NK
  • Cell, Natural Killer
  • Cells, NK
  • Cells, Natural Killer
  • Killer Cell, Natural
  • NK Cell
  • Natural Killer Cell

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

do not confuse with NATURAL KILLER T-CELLS; if subpopulations are discussed, coordinate IM with LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS (IM)

MeSH Record

History Note

1983

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic (1978-1982)
  • Immunity, Cellular (1976-1982)
  • Killer Cells (1978-1982)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A11w.118w.637w.555w.567w.537w
  2. A15.145w.229w.637w.555w.567w.537w
  3. A15.382w.490w.555w.567w.537w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Natural Killer Cells. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D007694. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D007694
  2. Natural Killer Cells. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_killer_cell
  3. Natural Killer Cells. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q332181