Natural Killer Cells

Summary Information: Natural Killer Cells

Natural Killer Cells: Natural killer cells are one of three types of lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. Natural killer cells have the ability to kill abnormal cells, such as those infected by a virus or are cancerous, by puncturing their membranes. Natural killer cells are present in the blood but are most common in the lymphatic system.

Conditions that can afflict the natural killer cells include leukemia, leukopenia, lymphocytic leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, HIV, malnutrition, corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, and hereditary immunodeficiency disorders.

Closely Related Organs: Natural Killer Cells

The following organs are closely related to the organ: Natural Killer Cells:

• B cells
• T cells
• Thymus
• Basophils
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Neutrophils
• White Blood cells
• Lymphatic system
• Immune system
• Red blood cells
• Bone marrow

Conditions Afflicting Organs: Natural Killer Cells

The following conditions are related to the organ: Natural Killer Cells:

• Leukemia
• Leukopenia
• Lymphocytic leukocytosis
• Lymphocytopenia
• HIV
• Malnutrition
• Corticosteroid use
• Chemotherapy
• Hereditary immunodeficiency disorders

Other Names: Natural Killer Cells

The following are other names for the organ: Natural Killer Cells:

• NK cells

Symptoms Related to Afflictions of: Natural Killer Cells

These symptoms are related to afflictions of the organ: Natural Killer Cells:

• Low lymphocyte count
• High lymphocyte count
• Easy bruising
• Excessive bleeding
• Frequent infections
• Weight loss
• Unusual infections
• Life-threatening infections
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue

Condition count: 0

Organs: list of all organs

Natural Killer Cells: Related Topics

• Killer Cells

More Anatomy Topics

Search Specialists by State and City