target cell
A 'target cell' can refer to a specific type of red blood cell with a distinctive appearance or to any cell that is specifically affected by a particular agent like a hormone, drug, or virus.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Biology
(general)A cell that has receptors for a specific hormone, drug, or other signaling molecule and is affected by it.
Example
- Insulin binds to its target cells to regulate blood sugar levels.
C1Medicine
(technical)A red blood cell with a bullseye appearance, often seen in certain types of anemia or liver disease.
Example
- Target cells are often observed in patients with thalassemia.
C1Immunology
(technical)A cell that is recognized and attacked by the immune system, often because it is infected or cancerous.
Example
- The immune system identifies and destroys target cells that are infected with viruses.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "target cell":