Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte
Full Form of CTL
What is CTL?
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) is a specialized type of white blood cell belonging to the T cell lineage. CTLs are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, responsible for directly killing cells that are infected by viruses, intracellular bacteria, or have become cancerous. They work by recognizing specific antigens presented on the surface of target cells via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Upon recognition, CTLs release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes that induce apoptosis in the target cell. In the Indian context, CTLs are extensively studied in medical and biology curricula, especially for competitive exams like NEET and AIIMS. The concept is foundational for understanding cell-mediated immunity, transplant rejection, and immunotherapy. Indian students often encounter CTL in textbook chapters on immune response, and exam questions frequently test its mechanism, markers (e.g., CD8), and relationship with helper T cells. Knowledge of CTLs is also relevant for careers in medicine, research, and pharmaceutical development in India.
CTL का फुल फॉर्म
साइटोटॉक्सिक टी लिम्फोसाइट
Example
The NEET biology textbook explained that CTLs directly eliminate virus-infected cells and are essential for recovery from infections like dengue.