Lymphocyte-Mediated Cytolysis Role of Granule Mediators

Abstract

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells represent the two main effector lymphocyte populations thought to be involved in killing virus-infected and transformed cells (reviewed in Berke, 1983; Herberman et al., 1986; Trinchieri and Perussia, 1984; Goldfarb, 1986). Killing by lymphocytes is known to require a contact-dependent mechanism. Although the precise mechanisms by which lymphocytes kill their targets are still unclear, a large body of information has recently accumulated on various mediators that may play a direct role in lymphocyte-mediated killing. This information will be reviewed briefly here.