Anatomy

Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes

Immunized T-lymphocytes which can directly destroy appropriate target cells. These cytotoxic lymphocytes may be generated in vitro in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), in vivo during a graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction, or after immunization with an allograft, tumor cell or virally transformed or chemically modified target cell. The lytic phenomenon is sometimes referred to as cell-mediated lympholysis (CML). These CD8-positive cells are distinct from NATURAL KILLER CELLS and NATURAL KILLER T-CELLS. There are two effector phenotypes: TC1 and TC2.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Immunized T-lymphocytes which can directly destroy appropriate target cells. These cytotoxic lymphocytes may be generated in vitro in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), in vivo during a graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction, or after immunization with an allograft, tumor cell or virally transformed or chemically modified target cell. The lytic phenomenon is sometimes referred to as cell-mediated lympholysis (CML). These CD8-positive cells are distinct from NATURAL KILLER CELLS and NATURAL KILLER T-CELLS. There are two effector phenotypes: TC1 and TC2.

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Synonyms

23 entry terms
  • Cell-Mediated Lympholytic Cells
  • Cytotoxic T Cells
  • Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
  • Cell Mediated Lympholytic Cells
  • Cell, Cell-Mediated Lympholytic
  • Cell-Mediated Lympholytic Cell
  • Cytotoxic T Cell
  • Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
  • Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte
  • Lymphocyte, Cytotoxic T
  • Lympholytic Cell, Cell-Mediated
  • Lympholytic Cells, Cell-Mediated
  • T Cell, Cytotoxic
  • T Lymphocyte, Cytotoxic
  • T Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
  • T-Lymphocyte, Cytotoxic
  • TC1 Cell
  • TC1 Cells
  • TC2 Cell
  • TC2 Cells
  • Cell, TC1
  • Cell, TC2

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

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Indexing Annotation

if subpopulations are discussed, coordinate IM with T-LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS (IM)

MeSH Record

History Note

90; was T LYMPHOCYTES, CYTOTOXIC 1983-89

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic (1978-1982)
  • T Lymphocytes (1973-1982)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A11w.118w.637w.555w.283w.875w
  2. A11w.118w.637w.555w.567w.550.500.200w
  3. A11w.118w.637w.555w.567w.569w.220.200w
  4. A11w.118w.637w.555w.567w.569w.500.200w
  5. A15.145w.229w.637w.555w.283w.875w
  6. A15.145w.229w.637w.555w.567w.550.500.200w
  7. A15.145w.229w.637w.555w.567w.569w.220.200w
  8. A15.145w.229w.637w.555w.567w.569w.500.200w
  9. A15.382w.490w.555w.283w.875w
  10. A15.382w.490w.555w.567w.550.500.200w
  11. A15.382w.490w.555w.567w.569w.220.200w
  12. A15.382w.490w.555w.567w.569w.500.200w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D013602. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D013602
  2. Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytotoxic_T_cell
  3. Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q376266