Fc gamma receptor IIIA (CD16A)

Fc gamma receptor IIIA (CD16A) is a low-affinity Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (IgG), primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of monocytes and macrophages[1][4][5]. Engagement of CD16A by the Fc portion of IgG antibodies bound to target cells triggers antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a process in which effector cells lyse antibody-coated target cells such as cancer cells or virally infected cells[1][3][5]. Upon activation, NK cells degranulate, releasing perforin and granzymes, leading to apoptosis of the target cell[4][5]. CD16-mediated ADCC is a key effector mechanism for many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in cancer and infection, and CD16 polymorphisms can influence therapeutic efficacy and safety[6][4].

Other names

CD16FcγRIIIFcγRIIIAFCGR3A

Promotion of cell-mediated cytotoxicity (by NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils) through antibody binding to CD16, leading to target cell lysis via granule exocytosis (perforin/granzymes) or cytokine-mediated mechanisms