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Natural killer cells (NK) are a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) and a component of nonspecific immune defense. These cells do not destroy the attacking microorganisms directly; they attack infected cells and cells that appear that they might cause cancer.
NK cells are not phagocytic; they weaken the target cell's plasma membrane, causing water and ions to diffuse into the cell and expanding it. Under this large pressure, the target cell lyses.
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