Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicities is a medical term used to describe the process by which immune cells destroy virus-infected cells, aided by antibodies. The word is pronounced /ˈæn.tiˌbɑː.di dɪˈpɛn.dənt sɛl saɪˌtɒksɪsɪtiz/. The first syllable, "anti," is pronounced /ˈæn.ti/, while "body" is pronounced /ˈbɒ.di/. "Dependent" is pronounced as /dɪˈpɛn.dənt/, and "cell" is /sɛl/. "Cytotoxicities" is pronounced /saɪˌtɒksɪsɪtiz/. It may seem complicated, but understanding how to pronounce technical medical terms can
Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immune response mechanism mediated by a class of white blood cells called natural killer (NK) cells. ADCC occurs when antibodies, produced by the immune system, bind to the surface of target cells that are infected by pathogens or cancerous cells. NK cells express receptors called Fc receptors, which recognize the Fc (fragment crystallizable) region of antibodies.
During ADCC, the Fc receptors on NK cells bind to the antibody-coated target cells. This binding triggers the release of cytotoxic substances, such as perforin and granzymes, by the NK cells. These substances create pores in the target cell's membrane and induce apoptosis, leading to the destruction of the infected or cancerous cell.
ADCC is an important defense mechanism against viruses, bacteria, and some types of cancer. It allows the immune system to use antibodies as guides to selectively eliminate specific infected or abnormal cells. This mechanism plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infection and inhibiting the growth of tumors.
ADCC has therapeutic applications in medicine as well. For example, monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to enhance their ability to induce ADCC, leading to targeted killing of cancer cells in patients undergoing immunotherapy. The study of ADCC is important for understanding the immune response and developing novel therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases and cancer treatment.