Natural killer T cell

Not to be confused with Natural killer cell or Killer T cell.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and natural killer cells. Many of these cells recognize the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that binds self and foreign lipids and glycolipids. They constitute only approximately 1% of all peripheral blood T cells.[1] Natural killer T cells should neither be confused with natural killer cells nor killer T cells (cytotoxic T cells).

  1. ^ Jerud, ES; Bricard G; Porcelli SA (2006). "Natural Killer T cells: Roles in Tumor Immunosurveillance and Tolerance". Transfus. Med. Hemother. 33 (1): 18–36. doi:10.1159/000090193.