their different surface characteristics however prevent them from being classified as either B or T cells.
also known as “large granular lymphocytes” (LGLs)
mainly found in the circulation
comprise between 5-11% of the total lymphocyte fraction
possess receptors for immunoglobulin type G (IgG)
also contain two unique cell surface receptors known as killer activation receptor and killer inhibition receptor
activation of killer activation receptor initiates cytokine (“communication”) molecules from the cell
activation of the killer inhibition receptor inhibits the cytokines
have an important role in attacking virally-infected cells in addition to certain tumour cells
destruction of infected cells is achieved through the release of perforins and granyzymes from its granules, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death)
able to secrete interferon-alpha
interferon alpha prevents healthy host cells from becoming infected by a virus; and augments the T cell response to other virally infected cells
cells lyse antibody-coated cells in the absence of complement by attaching to the Fc potion of the antibody molecule
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page