Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC)
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Through specific binding to antigen on the surface of membranes perceived as ‘foreign’, e.g. microbial cells or host cells virally infected or otherwise transformed..
ANTIBODY-DEPENDENT CELL CYTOTOXICITY
(ADCC)
Through specific binding to antigen on the
surface of membranes perceived as ‘foreign’, e.g. microbial cells or host cells
virally infected or otherwise transformed, antibody can direct (through its Fc
domains) the close association of ‘killing’ cells, such as neutrophils,
eosinophils, NK cells and even cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, with the ‘foreign’
membrane. This close association depends on the antibody’s Fc domain binding to
the respective Fc receptor present on the surface membrane of the ‘killing’
cell. Such close proximity to the ‘foreign’ cell enables the efficient and
targeted release of cytotoxic molecules into the extracellular environment. IgG
is the main antibody of systemic body fluids and is an important mediator of
ADCC, although IgE and IgA may undertake this role in certain circumstances,
e.g. against certain parasites IgE directs ADCC mediated by eosinophils.
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