In medical terms, NK stands for Natural Killer.
Understanding Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Based on information regarding NK Cell Therapy and NK Cells (Natural Killer Cells), NK cells are a specific type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the body's immune system.
Think of them as part of your body's inherent defense team. According to the reference, NK cells act "like an army that protects and eradicates foreign substances, viruses, parasites, and cancerous cells threatening our body."
Key Characteristics and Functions:
- Part of the Innate Immune System: NK cells provide rapid responses to threats without prior exposure or activation.
- Surveillance: They patrol the body, monitoring cells for signs of infection or abnormality.
- Target Killing: A primary function is their ability to recognize and directly kill target cells, including those infected with viruses or parasites, and particularly cancerous cells.
- Secretion of Cytokines: They also release signaling molecules (cytokines) that help regulate other immune responses.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natural Killer Cells |
| Type | White Blood Cell |
| System | Immune System (primarily Innate) |
| Main Role | Identify and destroy infected or abnormal cells (e.g., cancer) |
Their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells has made them a significant area of research in immunotherapy, leading to developments in NK Cell Therapy.
