Target Cell (Noun)
Meaning 1
An abnormal red blood cell with the appearance of a dark ring surrounding a dark center; associated with anemia.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Any cell that has a specific receptor for an antigen or antibody or hormone or drug, or is the focus of contact by a virus or phagocyte or nerve fiber etc..
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The target cell of the HIV virus is the CD4 T cell, which is recognized by the viral gp120 protein through specific binding.
- In hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer, hormone receptors on the target cell surface are a key factor in the progression of the disease.
- The phagocyte released granules that destroyed the target cell, which was infected with bacteria.
- Insulin receptors on the target cell surface of muscle and fat cells are crucial for glucose uptake and metabolism.
- The nerve growth factor selectively binds to the target cell receptors, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways that regulate neuronal growth and survival.