killer T cell

noun

a killer cell that destroys target cells only when specifically activated by helper T cells.

Compare natural killer cell.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

killer t cell in Science

killer T cell

[kĭl′ər]

A large differentiated T cell that functions in cell-mediated immunity by attacking and lysing target cells that have specific surface antigens. Also called cytotoxic T cell killer cell

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.