How killer cells kill.
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.
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*
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D052899:Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins; D054353:Perforin