Natural Killer Cells: Perforin-Mediated Cytotoxicity in the Innate Immune System

When an enemy cell is present, a(n) __________ secrete perforins, which bore a hole in the enemy cell membrane.

natural killer cell

The cells that secrete perforins are called natural killer cells (NK cells). These are a specialized type of lymphocyte that are part of the innate immune system. NK cells are able to recognize and directly kill virus-infected cells and cancer cells without prior sensitization or activation. In order to do this, they release perforins and other proteins, such as granzymes, that induce cell death by creating pores or holes in the cell membrane of the target cell. This process is known as perforin-mediated cytotoxicity. Once the holes are made in the target cell membrane, water and ions enter the cell, which causes it to swell and burst, ultimately leading to its death.

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