Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity pathway (ADCC pathway (ADCC))

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immunological mechanism by which effector cells of the immune system, primarily natural killer (NK) cells, recognize and destroy target cells that have been opsonized (coated) with antibodies. The process is mediated by the interaction between the Fc region of antibodies (usually IgG) bound to a target cell and Fc gamma receptors (most notably FcγRIIIa/CD16) on the surface of effector cells. Upon binding, effector cells become activated, leading to the release of cytotoxic granules (such as perforin and granzymes) and induction of apoptosis in the target cells. ADCC is a key mechanism underlying the clinical activity of many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, particularly in oncology and infectious disease, and strategies to enhance ADCC generally involve antibody engineering or modulation of Fc receptor affinity to increase immune effector cell activation[1][2][4][7][10]. Note: - This entry is not a canonical, single molecular drug target (such as a receptor or enzyme), but rather a process involving multiple molecules and cell types. - If molecular detail is needed (for example, specifically targeting Fc gamma receptor IIIa), the entry should be revised to that molecule. - ADCC enhancement refers to therapeutic strategies (antibody engineering, FcγR polymorphism exploitation) designed to amplify this process for clinical benefit[7].

Other names

ADCC enhancementADCC mechanismFc receptor-mediated effector activation

Recruitment and activation of immune effector cells (e.g., NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils) via Fc gamma receptor engagement → release of cytolytic molecules (perforin, granzymes) or induction of target cell apoptosis[1][2][4][7][10]