Fc gamma receptor III (CD16) (CD16)

CD16, also known as Fc gamma receptor III (FcγRIII), is a receptor for the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) predominantly expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. There are two main isoforms: CD16a (FcγRIIIA), which is primarily found on NK cells and macrophages, and CD16b (FcγRIIIB), which is mainly on neutrophils. CD16 is central to mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a process whereby NK cells recognize and kill target cells—such as tumor or virus-infected cells—that are coated with IgG antibodies. Upon binding to antibody-coated targets, CD16 triggers activation signals leading to release of cytotoxic granules and cytokines, as well as upregulation of activation markers. These mechanisms are important in the efficacy of several cancer immunotherapies and in defense against infections. CD16 signaling typically requires adaptor molecules with ITAM motifs (such as CD3ζ or FcεRIγ), as CD16 itself lacks intrinsic signaling capability. Dysregulation or genetic polymorphisms in CD16 can impact susceptibility to infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Because the target in the query ("Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity via CD16") is a *function* rather than a molecular entity, the canonical target is CD16, so the original entry is considered to be an incorrect or non-canonical target format[1][2][4][5][7].

Other names

FcγRIIIFcγ receptor IIICD16a (FcγRIIIA)CD16b (FcγRIIIB)

Triggering NK cell cytotoxicity via recognition of the Fc portion of IgG antibodies bound to target cells, leading to degranulation and target cell apoptosis Promoting cytokine production upon receptor engagement Enhancing clinical efficacy of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies via ADCC