Which type of lymphocyte is capable of killing tumor cells and infected cells without prior sensitization?

Granzymes are a family of serine proteases that are stored in and secreted from the cytotoxic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells.

They work in synergy with perforin, a pore-forming toxin, to induce apoptosis in target cells.

Perforin is necessary for the delivery of granzyme B to the target cell cytosol where caspase-dependent and -independent pathways to apoptosis are activated.

Perforins (choice A) are pore-forming toxins that work in synergy with granzymes to induce apoptosis in target cells.

Cytokines (choice B) are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses but do not directly induce apoptosis in target cells.

Interferons (choice D) are a type of cytokine that play a role in immune responses but do not directly induce apoptosis in target cells.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a class of receptors that can directly recognize the specific molecular structures on the surface of pathogens.

PRRs play a crucial role in the proper function of the innate immune system and are germline-encoded host sensors, which detect molecules typical for the pathogens.

Choice B is incorrect because cytokines are not receptors but rather signaling molecules that regulate immunity.

Choice C is incorrect because chemokines are not receptors but rather signaling molecules that attract immune cells to sites of infection.

Choice D is incorrect because T cells are not receptors but rather white blood cells that assist B cells or directly kill infected cells.