Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) & Natural Killer Activity Assays

The protection from viral infections and cancers often occurs through Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. CTL assays are commonly used to quantify cytotoxicity, particularly in the study of tumor and viral cytolysis.  The biology around these reactions is very complex and the handling of the immune cells must be done with great care. Otherwise the results (e.g. CD8 cell activation, cellular lysis) can be confusing.