How killer cells kill.

J D Young; Z A Cohn

doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0188-38

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How killer cells kill.

J D Young·Z A Cohn

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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.

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Animals Cell Membrane Permeability Cytoplasmic Granules Humans Killer Cells, Natural Membrane Glycoproteins Membrane Proteins Perforin Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic Journal Article Review

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J D Young, Z A Cohn. 1988. How killer cells kill.. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0188-38

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