Natural Killer Cells Destroy Target Cells By

Question

Natural killer cells destroy target cells by:
A) releasing antibiotics, which break down the cell membranes.
B) releasing cytokines and enzymes that trigger apoptosis.
C) releasing histamine, which signals other blood cells to aggregate.
D) phagocytosis, after the cells are targeted by antibodies.
E) releasing lysosomal enzymes, which digest the target cells.

Accepted Answer

Natural killer (NK) cells induce apoptosis in target cells by releasing cytokines and enzymes. This process leads to the programmed cell death of the target cells, rather than destroying them through phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme digestion, or the release of antibiotics or histamine.