Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immune response where immune cells identify and destroy infected or cancerous cells marked by specific antibodies. When antibodies bind to harmful cells, they act as flags, signaling immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells to attack. The NK cells recognize these antibody tags through special receptors and release chemicals that kill the targeted cells. ADCC is a crucial mechanism in defending the body against infections and tumors, and it forms the basis for many therapeutic antibodies used in treating diseases.