| killer T-cell | 1. <immunology> Mammalian cells which can lyse antibody coated target cells. They have a receptor for the Fc portion of IgG and are probably of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage, though some may be lymphocytes. Not to be confused with cytotoxic T-cells which recognise targets by other means and are clearly a sub set of T lymphocytes. This confusion exists in the early literature. 2. Natural killer cell are CD3 negative large granular lymphocytes, mediating cytolytic reactions that do not require expression of Class I or II major histocompatibility antigens on the target cell. 3. Lymphokine activated killer cells are NK cells activated by interleukin-2 (LAK cells). (13 Nov 1997) |
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| killer yeast | <microbiology> A yeast that secretes a toxin that can kill other yeasts. (09 Oct 1997) |
| lady-killer | A gallant who captivates the hearts of women. "A renowned dandy and lady-killer." Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |