Killer T Cell

Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), also known as Killer T cells,  are a special type of T cells with the ability to kill other cells. Usually they kill cells that have been infected with a virus. This way the virus can no longer use these cells for replicating inside of them. CTLs secrete cytotoxins to kill the other cells and are therefore called “cytotoxic” T cells.

Below is a video showing a killer T  cell killing a target cell. How amazing is our immune system!

Killer T cells are beautiful! This high resolution/rapid acquisition video of a T cell attacking a lymphoma cancer cell was captured on a specialized Lattice Light Sheet microscope with the help of my wonderful collaborators @HHMIJanelia. See more details in the thread below. pic.twitter.com/f2OcudqWBu

— Alex Ritter, PhD (@RitterLab) April 20, 2022

And here are some Killer T Cell stickers and postcards you might like!