cytotoxic T lymphocyte cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells are a subtype of immune cell known as CD8+ T cells. They play a central role in the adaptive immune system by directly killing virus-infected, cancerous, or otherwise abnormal host cells. CTLs recognize antigens presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules via their CD8 receptor and become activated to destroy target cells through the release of cytotoxins such as perforin and granzymes. In immunotherapy research and clinical applications—including cancer therapy—engineered or expanded CTLs may be used to enhance anti-tumor responses[2][4][5]. These therapies can involve genetic modification (e.g., mRNA transfection) to improve their tumor-killing efficacy[4].

Other names

cytotoxic T cellsCTLskiller T cellsCD8+ T cells