Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immune response where immune cells, like natural killer (NK) cells, recognize and destroy infected or abnormal cells. When an antibody binds to a target cell (such as a virus-infected or cancer cell), it acts like a flag, signaling to NK cells. These NK cells then attach to the antibody-coated cell and release chemicals that kill it. This process helps the immune system eliminate harmful cells that antibodies alone cannot destroy efficiently. ADCC is an important mechanism in immune defense and is also utilized in certain therapies, such as cancer treatments.