[The ultrastructure of the natural killer cells in transitional-cell bladder cancer]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2026
Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
Abstract:
Electronic microexamination of two of the 65 cases of transitional cell carcinoma, in which cases we succeeded in detecting and studying the interaction between the natural killer cells and a target cell, suggested that a natural killer cell might be an active element of tissue immunity being capable of recognizing and destroying cells that differ in their genetic apparatus from normal cells and bodily tissues. The main targets of natural killer cells are those organelles in tumour cells that are their most active units of vital importance, the destruction of which is aimed at maintaining of tissue and cellular homeostasis.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells are key to tissue immunity, recognizing and destroying genetically abnormal tumor cells. They target vital tumor organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a significant form of cancer.
- Understanding the role of immune cells in cancer is crucial for developing new therapies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which NK cells identify and eliminate cancerous cells.
Summary:
- Electronic microexamination revealed NK cells interacting with TCC target cells.
- NK cells demonstrated the capacity to recognize and destroy cells with altered genetic material.
- NK cells target vital organelles within tumor cells, crucial for cellular homeostasis.
Impact:
- Suggests NK cells play an active role in tissue immunity against cancer.
- Highlights NK cell-mediated destruction of tumor cells as a potential therapeutic strategy.
- Provides insights into the mechanisms of immune surveillance and tumor cell elimination.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...