ANTIBODY-INDUCED CELL-MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY (ADCC)
A Potent Immune Response
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a vital mechanism of cell-mediated immunity, where antibodies join forces with immune cells to eliminate target cells. This process serves as a crucial defense against a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
The ADCC Process: The ADCC process initiates when an antibody binds to a specific antigen on the surface of the target cell. This binding event acts as a beacon, attracting immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages to the target cell. These immune cells recognize the antibody through their Fc receptors, kickstarting the ADCC pathway.
Cytotoxic Action: In the ADCC pathway, cytotoxic substances are unleashed from the immune cells, leading to the destruction of the target cell. These cytotoxic agents can damage the target cell’s membrane, ultimately causing its demise.
ADCC’s Role in Immunity: ADCC plays a pivotal role in defending against various threats, including:
- Viruses: Protects against viruses like HIV, influenza, and hepatitis C.
- Bacteria: Essential in combating bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
- Cancer: Employed to eliminate cancer cells expressing specific antigens..
ADCC as a Cancer Therapy: In recent years, ADCC has garnered attention as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. Monoclonal antibodies tailored to specific cancer antigens can recruit immune cells to the tumor site, enabling the targeted destruction of cancer cells.
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) stands as a robust immune mechanism, guarding against a diverse array of threats and diseases, while also emerging as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Its ability to harness the immune system’s power in the fight against disease highlights its importance in modern medicine.