Lymphoid cells as effectors of immunologic cytolysis.
Two classes of cytotoxic lymphocytes are described. One is composed of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), which have antigen specificity derived from prior immunization. The lymphocytes of the other class--the K cells--derive their limited specificity from affinity for antibodies on the surface of the target cells. Together these two lymphocyte classes provide a broad-spectrum defense against unwanted foreign and mutant cells.
D000818:Animals; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D000941:Antigens; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D000939:Epitopes; D006648:Histocompatibility; D006801:Humans; D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D014181:Transplantation Immunology
D000941:Antigens; D000939:Epitopes; D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G