Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by natural killer cells (ADCC)

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer cells is a fundamental immune pathway in which NK cells recognize and kill target cells (e.g., virus-infected or tumor cells) that are coated with specific antibodies[1][2][4][5]. NK cells bear FcγRIIIa (CD16) receptors that bind to the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies attached to surface antigens. Upon this engagement, NK cells become activated, releasing perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis of the target cell, along with secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α[2][3][4]. This mechanism is crucial for the effectiveness of many monoclonal antibody-based cancer therapies and anti-viral immune responses[1][2][5]. It is a complex multi-component process rather than a discrete therapeutic target, so "Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity via ADCC" is not a standard molecular target, but rather a description of an immune effector function[1][2][4].

Other names

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicityAntibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicityNK cell ADCCADCC

Facilitation of antibody-coated target cell lysis through Fc receptor (CD16, FcγRIIIa) engagement on NK cells, leading to release of cytotoxic granules (perforin, granzymes) and induction of apoptosis in target cells[1][2][4][5].