How Natural Killer Cells Identify and Destroy Infected Cells
The human immune system is a remarkable defense network designed to protect the body from infections and disease. Among its many components, Natural Killer Cells play a unique and powerful role. Unlike other immune cells that require prior exposure to a pathogen, these cells respond quickly and decisively. They act as the body’s rapid response team, identifying and eliminating infected or abnormal cells before the threat can spread. Understanding how Natural Killer Cells function not only deepens our appreciation of the immune system but also highlights their growing importance in modern medicine and immunotherapy research. What Are Natural Killer Cells? Natural Killer Cells are a type of lymphocyte and a critical part of the innate immune system. Unlike T cells and B cells, which belong to adaptive immunity and require activation through antigen recognition, NK cells can respond immediately. This quick action makes them essential in the early stages of viral infections and tumor form...