T lymphocyte depletion via polyclonal antibody-mediated cytotoxicity

T lymphocyte depletion via polyclonal antibody-mediated cytotoxicity is not a molecule or classical therapeutic target, but rather a process in which polyclonal antibodies (such as antithymocyte globulin) are used to deplete T cells from the blood and lymphoid tissues. This is achieved mainly through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-mediated lysis, and induction of apoptosis. Such depletion is used clinically to prevent or treat graft-versus-host disease and rejection following transplantation, but poses immunosuppressive risks, including increased susceptibility to infection and other immune-related complications. The actual targets for the antibodies are T cell surface markers, most commonly CD3, CD4, or CD8[1][3][5][6][7][9].

Other names

T cell

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), Complement-dependent cytotoxicity, Induction of apoptosis