natural killer T cell

A type of immune cell that plays an important role in the body’s first immune response to invading microorganisms. Natural killer T cells are a type of T cell that also have certain features of natural killer (NK) cells. They can kill invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by releasing cytokines. They can also kill certain cells, such as cancer cells, either directly or by causing other immune cells to kill them. If natural killer T cells become inactive, this may contribute to the development and progression of certain diseases, such as cancer. Also called NKT cell.