Killer T cells target and destroy infected or cancerous cells using specific mechanisms like releasing toxins.
Killer T cells, also known as cytotoxic T cells, play a crucial role in the immune system by targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells presenting specific antigens. They utilize mechanisms like releasing toxins to induce the death of these cells, such as those infected with pathogens or cancer.
When activated, cytotoxic T cells identify cells bearing pathogen antigens via MHC I molecules on their surface, initiating a process that leads to cell death through induction of apoptosis. This targeted killing mechanism helps eliminate virus-infected cells, bacterial infected cells, and tumor cells.
Cytotoxic T cells release cytotoxic molecules like perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the infected cells, effectively removing the threat and contributing to the body's defense against infections and cancers.
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