T cell mediated cytotoxicity (GO:0001913)

The directed killing of a target cell by a T cell through the release of granules containing cytotoxic mediators or through the engagement of death receptors. Notes: - Note that either or both mechanisms mentioned in the definition may be used in this process. Note that both granule release and the engagement of death receptors on target cells result in the induction of apoptosis in the target cell. Note that both CD4 and CD8 positive T cells can mediate apoptosis of target cells, independently of their definition as 'helper T cells or not.

General

single-organism process (GO:0044699) T cell mediated immunity (GO:0002456) leukocyte mediated cytotoxicity (GO:0001909)

References

gene ontology: GO:0001913 PMID: 11911826