Cytotoxic T cell
hideA cytotoxic T cell (also known as TC, CTL, T-Killer cell, cytolytic T cell, CD8+ T-cells or killer T cell) belongs to a sub-group of T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that are capable of inducing the death of infected somatic or tumor cells; they kill cells that are infected with viruses (or other pathogens), or are otherwise damaged or dysfunctional. Most cytotoxic T cells express T-cell receptors (TCRs) that can recognize a specific antigenic peptide bound to Class I MHC molecules, present on all nucleated cells, and a glycoprotein called CD8, which is attracted to non-variable portions of the Class I MHC molecule. The affinity between CD8 and the MHC molecule keeps the TC cell and the target cell bound closely together during antigen-specific activation. CD8+ T cells are recognized as TC cells once they become activated and are generally classified as having a pre-defined cytotoxic role within the immune system.
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News tagged with cd8 t cells
Circulating Mesothelin Serves as a Marker of Pancreatic Cancer
Oct 22, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have expanded on previous studies, and there may be a new weapon in the arsenal for immune-based strategies in treating pancreatic cancer - mesothelin protein. Findings also showed that circulating ...
The difficult Way to HIV Vaccine
Medicine & Health / HIV & AIDS
Sep 16, 2009 |
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T cells are key players in the immune response to HIV, which are able to delete infected cells. This capacity is used for vaccine development against HIV. “To date however, success of this strategy remains elusive. Our understanding ...
Scientists find key to strengthening immune response to chronic infection
Aug 06, 2009 |
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A team of researchers from The Wistar Institute has identified a protein that could serve as a target for reprogramming immune system cells exhausted by exposure to chronic viral infection into more effective "soldiers" against ...
Transplant drug stimulates immune memory
Jun 21, 2009 |
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Rapamycin, a drug given to transplant recipients to suppress their immune systems, has a paradoxical effect on cells responsible for immune memory, scientists at the Emory Vaccine Center have discovered.
Chronic infection now clearly tied to immune-system protein (w/Video)
May 14, 2009 |
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A new study finds the cross-talk between 'killer T-cells' and 'helper T-cells' can only happen in the presence of interleukin-21, a powerful immune-system protein. UAB researchers say if interleukin-21 is missing, the immune ...
Scientists identify how key protein keeps chronic infection in check
May 08, 2009 |
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Why is the immune system able to fight off some viruses but not others, leading to chronic, life-threatening infections like HIV and hepatitis C?
Brain structure assists in immune response (Video)
Biology /
Jan 28, 2009 |
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For the first time, a team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have imaged in real time the body's immune response to a parasitic infection in the brain.
