Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity is a term commonly used in immunology. It refers to a process in which certain immune cells are activated to kill infected or cancerous cells, aided by antibodies. The word is pronounced /ˈæntɪbɑdi dɪˈpɛndənt sɛl ˌsaɪtəˈtɑksɪsəti/. The stress is on the second syllable of "antibody" and the third syllable of "cytotoxicity". The word's spelling is a combination of familiar roots - "anti-" meaning against, "body" referring to the antibodies, "dependent" meaning reliant, "cell" for the immune cells, and "cytotoxic" referring to cells that can kill other cells.
Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a mechanism of immune response in which specialized cells of the immune system target and destroy abnormal or infected cells through the action of antibodies. ADCC occurs when specific antibodies attach to a target cell's surface, marking it for destruction. These antibodies are produced by B cells in response to the presence of foreign antigens or substances that are recognized as harmful by the immune system.
Once the antibodies have bound to the target cell, certain immune cells called natural killer cells (NK cells) or phagocytes, such as macrophages, recognize the bound antibodies. These immune cells possess receptors that specifically recognize the constant region of the antibody molecule, triggering their activation. Upon activation, these effector cells deliver a lethal attack on the target cell, leading to its destruction. The mechanisms employed by the effector cells include release of toxic substances, such as enzymes called perforins and proteases, which create pores in the target cell's membrane, as well as production of cytokines to induce inflammation and attract more immune cells to the site.
ADCC is an important defense mechanism against pathogens, viruses, and cancer cells. It helps eliminate infected or abnormal cells that cannot be easily eliminated by other immune mechanisms. ADCC plays a crucial role in the efficacy of certain therapeutic antibodies used in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Understanding the processes involved in ADCC can help researchers develop novel treatments and interventions to target specific diseases and boost immune responses.