Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an important immune mechanism through which the immune system targets and destroys infected or cancerous cells. This process involves the recognition of target cells by antibodies and the subsequent destruction of these cells by immune effector cells.
Mechanism[edit | edit source]
ADCC is initiated when antibodies bind to antigens on the surface of a target cell. These antibodies are typically of the IgG class. The Fc region of the bound antibodies is then recognized by Fc receptors on the surface of effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils.
Once the Fc receptors on the effector cells engage with the Fc region of the antibodies, a series of intracellular signaling events are triggered within the effector cells. This leads to the release of cytotoxic substances, such as perforin and granzymes, from the effector cells. These substances induce apoptosis in the target cell, leading to its destruction.
Effector Cells Involved[edit | edit source]
Several types of immune cells can mediate ADCC, including:
- Natural Killer (NK) cells: These are the primary effector cells in ADCC. They express FcγRIII (CD16), which binds to the Fc region of IgG antibodies.
- Macrophages: These cells can also mediate ADCC through Fcγ receptors, leading to phagocytosis and destruction of the target cell.
- Neutrophils: These cells can participate in ADCC by releasing cytotoxic granules upon engagement with antibody-coated target cells.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
ADCC plays a crucial role in the immune defense against viral infections and cancer. It is also a mechanism of action for several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies used in cancer treatment, such as rituximab and trastuzumab. These antibodies target specific antigens on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by ADCC.
Therapeutic Applications[edit | edit source]
Monoclonal antibodies designed to exploit ADCC are used in the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Enhancing ADCC activity is a strategy in the development of new therapeutic antibodies. Modifications to the Fc region of antibodies can increase their affinity for Fc receptors, thereby enhancing ADCC.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
