target cell

target cell
target cell n a cell that is acted on selectively by a specific agent (as a virus, drug, or hormone) <the receptor that HIV binds to in entering its target cells (Michael Balter)>

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1. a cell that is the focus of attack by antibodies, cytotoxic T-cells, or natural killer cells or is the object of the action of a specific hormone.
2. (in haematology) an abnormal form of red blood cell (erythrocyte) in which the cell assumes the ringed appearance of a 'target' in stained blood films. Target cells are a feature of several types of anaemia, including those due to iron deficiency, liver disease, and abnormalities in haemoglobin structure.

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1. an abnormally thin erythrocyte that when stained shows a dark center and a peripheral ring of hemoglobin, separated by a pale unstained ring containing less hemoglobin; seen in certain congenital and acquired anemias, thalassemia, certain hemoglobinopathies, liver disease, especially obstructive jaundice, and other disorders, and the postsplenectomy state. Called also codocyte, leptocyte, Mexican hat c. or erythrocyte, and target erythrocyte. 2. any cell selectively affected by a particular agent, such as a hormone or drug.

Target cells.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Target cell — is a term given to one of three different concepts in medicine.* In hematology, target cells are abnormal red blood cells, that have a bullseye appearance. (See main article: codocyte)* In endocrinology, target cells can refer to the cells where… …   Wikipedia

  • target cell —  Target Cell  Клетка Мишень   В гематологии аномальная красная клетка крови (эритроцит), внутри которой при окрашивании образца крови наблюдаются сменяющие друг друга темные и светлые кольца. Существование клеток мишеней в крови наблюдается при… …   Толковый англо-русский словарь по нанотехнологии. - М.

  • target cell — 1) a cell that is the focus of attack by antibodies, cytotoxic T cells, or natural killer cells or is the object of the action of a specific hormone. 2) (in haematology) an abnormal form of red blood cell (erythrocyte) in which the cell assumes… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • target cell — noun 1. 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. • Hypernyms: ↑somatic cell, ↑vegetative cell 2. an abnormal red blood cell with… …   Useful english dictionary

  • target cell — noun a) any cell having a specific receptor for an antibody, antigen or hormone b) an abnormal red blood cell with a ringed appearance, associated with some anemias …   Wiktionary

  • cell — cell1 cell like, adj. /sel/, n. 1. a small room, as in a convent or prison. 2. any of various small compartments or bounded areas forming part of a whole. 3. a small group acting as a unit within a larger organization: a local cell of the… …   Universalium

  • cell-mediated cytotoxicity — cytolysis of a target cell by effector lymphocytes, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes or NK cells; it may be antibody dependent (see antibody dependent cell mediated c.) or independent, as in certain type IV hypersensitivity reactions (q.v.) …   Medical dictionary

  • cell signaling — synthesis and release by a cell of a substance, such as a hormone, that binds to receptors on and effects a specific response in a target cell …   Medical dictionary

  • target corpuscle — noun see target cell …   Useful english dictionary

  • Cell signaling — is part of a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. [Witzany, G. (2000). Life: The Communicative Structure. Norderstedt, Libri BoD.] The ability of cells to perceive and correctly… …   Wikipedia

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