killer T cell

American  

noun

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

---

killer T cell Scientific  

/ kĭl′ər /

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

2. Also called cytotoxic T cell killer cell

---

Example Sentences

Associate Professor Luciani said the study provides valuable insights into the complexity of killer T cell responses as we age.

From Science Daily • Sep. 25, 2023

A component of the chemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, also suppresses regulatory T cells, which inhibit killer T cell responses.

From Science Daily • Sep. 21, 2023

Bringing the killer T cell in close proximity to the infected cell effectively stuffs the prey into the lion’s mouth.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 20, 2015

The other is that a second type of CD3-studded lymphocyte known as a killer T cell destroys HIV-infected cells.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 20, 2015

For many viral infections, the most important response is the killer T cell.

From Time Magazine Archive