Cytotoxic T-cells
Cytotoxic T cells are able to search the intracellular compartments to remove or destroy any foreign objects such as bacteria and pathogens which have the potential to cause harm. Also known as a killer T-cell. These cells kill host cells that have become infected by some sort of intracellular pathogen[1].
The cytotoxic T-cells can trigger an endogenous pathway within the target cell leading to apoptosis. This is due to the cytotoxic T-cells releasing "preformed effector molecules"[2][3].
Cytotoxic T-cells contain the CD8+ receptor. They are responsible for binding MHC class I present in most cells, which presents the foreign antigen of the endogenous origin. [4]
References
- ↑ alberts, B (2008). molecular biology of the cell. USA: garland science. glossary
- ↑ Janeway CA Jr, et al.;2001
- ↑ Janeway C. Immunobiology. 5th ed. Paris: De Boeck; 2003.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27101/