👉 A receptor weapon is a specialized protein found on the surface of certain immune cells, particularly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, that plays a crucial role in the immune response. When a receptor weapon binds to its specific ligand, such as a chemokine or a cytokine, it triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events that activate the immune cell. This activation leads to the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, which in turn recruit and activate other immune cells, amplifying the immune response and directing it to the site of infection or inflammation. Essentially, the receptor weapon acts as a molecular switch, converting extracellular signals into intracellular responses that orchestrate the immune system's defense mechanisms.
