cytolysis

Cytolysis (cell lysis) results when the plasma membrane is ruptured, resulting in osmosis-induced swelling and cell death. (see cytotoxicity)

Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) are important agents of cytolysis. Cytotoxic cells are considered essential for the elimination of oncogenically or virally transformed cells, but they are detrimental when mediating autoimmune disease or graft rejection.

Tables  Fc receptors  Immune Cytokines  Immunoglobulins

tags [Immunology][cytolysis][cell+death]