title: How killer cells kill.
abstract: Killer lymphocytes, the commandos of the immune system, attack tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. They kill by secreting protein molecules that link to form pores in target cells; the cells promptly leak to death. Study of the process may make it possible to improve the killers' efficiency in fighting cancer and such viral infections as AIDS.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D054353:Perforin; D052899:Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D052899:Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins; D054353:Perforin