killer T cell

Definition / meaning of killer T cell

A type of immune cell that can kill certain cells, including foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus. Killer T cells can be separated from other blood cells, grown in the laboratory, and then given to a patient to kill cancer cells. A killer T cell is a type of white blood cell and a type of lymphocyte. Also called cytotoxic T cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte.

Listed under:

Find More About 'killer T cell'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment