natural killer cells can be placated

An example of anthropomorphism in popular science writing:

"Touching these receptors placates NK cells, inhibiting their killer ways. Stressed, infected cells display fewer of these normal receptors on their surface and in the absence of their calming presence the trigger-happy NK cells attack."

Catherine Carver

Carver, C. (2017). Immune. How your body defends and proects you. Bloomsbury Sigma. Read about this book: 'Disease and immunity – a biological myth'

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Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.