Antibody-dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity Effect (ADCC)

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immune mechanism where effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, lyse antibody-coated target cells (e.g., virus-infected or tumor cells). Antibodies bind to antigens on the target cell surface, then effector cells bind to the Fc region of the antibody via Fc receptors, triggering the release of cytotoxic granules and subsequent target cell death.

Other names

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Antibodies bind to target cells and recruit effector immune cells (e.g., NK cells) via Fc receptors, leading to target cell lysis through release of perforin and granzymes, or engagement of death receptors.