Tumor cell lysis by natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity

**Tumor cell lysis by natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity** refers to the process by which NK cells identify and kill tumor (and virally infected) cells. NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system that respond to abnormal cells lacking appropriate MHC I molecules or expressing stress-induced ligands. They induce target cell death by two main pathways: - **Granule exocytosis**: NK cells release perforin and granzymes, which enter the target cell to induce apoptosis or lysis[1][2][3][4][5][6]. - **Death receptor–mediated apoptosis**: NK cells express death ligands like FasL or TRAIL that trigger extrinsic apoptotic pathways upon binding to their receptors on target cells[1][4][6]. NK cells can also mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via their FcγRIII (CD16) receptors, killing antibody-coated targets[3][6]. This process is central in early control of malignancy and viral infection, and its mechanisms are leveraged in cancer immunotherapy[5][2].

Other names

Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicityNK cell cytotoxicityNK cell–mediated tumor cell lysis