natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0042267
The directed killing of a target cell by a natural killer cell through the release of granules containing cytotoxic mediators or through the engagement of death receptors. [ GOC:pr GOC:add ]
Synonyms: NK cell mediated cell killing, natural killer cell mediated cell death, NK cell mediated cytotoxicity, NK cell mediated cell death, natural killer cell mediated cell killing
Term info
Note that either or both mechanisms mentioned in the definition may be used in this process. Note that both granule release and the engagement of death receptors on target cells result in induction of apoptosis in the target cell.
natural killer-cell mediated cytolysis, natural killer cell mediated cytolysis, killer activity, NK cell mediated cytolysis
biological_process
GO:0042267