What are the Key Histological Features of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes?
Histologically, CTLs are characterized by their relatively small size and dense nucleus, with a scant amount of cytoplasm. When activated, they exhibit an enlarged cytoplasm with prominent Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles. The presence of these granules is indicative of their cytotoxic activity. Additionally, CTLs can form immune synapses with their target cells, which is a specialized junction that facilitates the directed release of cytotoxic molecules.
