The leukocytes called natural killer lymphocytes
A) release prostaglandins and leukotrienes in response to microbes.
B) increase in allergies and helminth infection.
C) respond to the coating of a pathogen by complement.
D) are nonspecific leukocytes that secrete toxins onto the surface of virus-infected cells.
E) are specialists in killing bacteria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural killer lymphocytes are nonspecific leukocytes that can recognize and directly kill virus-infected cells and cancer cells. They do this by secreting perforins and granzymes, which induce apoptosis (cell death) in the infected/cancerous cell.

The Leukocytes Called Natural Killer Lymphocytes