Which type of cells are primarily responsible for eliminating cancer cells and cells infected with viruses in the blood?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the type of cells primarily responsible for eliminating cancer cells and virus-infected cells in the blood. It requires knowledge of the immune system and the specific functions of different types of immune cells.
Answer
Cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells eliminate cancer cells and virus-infected cells.
Cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells are primarily responsible for eliminating cancer cells and virus-infected cells in the blood. Cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected or cancerous cells, while NK cells also target these cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Answer for screen readers
Cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells are primarily responsible for eliminating cancer cells and virus-infected cells in the blood. Cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected or cancerous cells, while NK cells also target these cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
More Information
Both Cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer Cells are types of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells critical to the immune system. They work independently and together to find and destroy compromised cells in the body.
Tips
A common mistake is to only name one type of cell (either Cytotoxic T cells or Natural Killer cells) when both contribute significantly to the function. It's important to include both for a complete answer.
Sources
- T cells, B cells and the immune system - MD Anderson Cancer Center - mdanderson.org
- What Are Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)? - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Cytotoxic T cells - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
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