Immune effector cell activity

"Immune effector cell activity" refers to the collective functions of immune cells (most notably T lymphocytes, NK cells, and some subclasses of B cells and myeloid cells) that mediate the active elimination of infected, malignant, or otherwise abnormal cells. Effector functions include direct cytotoxicity (cell killing), secretion of cytokines that orchestrate broader immune responses, and engagement in antibody-dependent mechanisms such as ADCC. These activities are central to host defense against pathogens and tumors but can also contribute to immunopathology in autoimmunity and therapy-related toxicities

Other names

Immune cell activityEffector cell functionEffector function

Modulation (activation or inhibition) of immune effector cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells); Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC); Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis; Release of cytotoxic molecules and cytokines