Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (also known as Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, Antibody-Dependent Cell): The phenomenon of antibody-mediated target cell destruction by non-sensitized effector cells. The identity of the target cell varies, but it must possess surface IMMUNOGLOBULIN G whose Fc po
The phenomenon of antibody-mediated target cell destruction by non-sensitized effector cells. The identity of the target cell varies, but it must possess surface IMMUNOGLOBULIN G whose Fc portion is intact. The effector cell is a killer cell possessing Fc receptors. It may be a lymphocyte lacking conventional B- or T-cell markers, or a monocyte, macrophage, or polynuclear leukocyte, depending on the identity of the target cell. The reaction is complement-independent.
MeSH classification
G12.287.070
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Common questions about Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
What does Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity mean in medicine?
The phenomenon of antibody-mediated target cell destruction by non-sensitized effector cells. The identity of the target cell varies, but it must possess surface IMMUNOGLOBULIN G whose Fc portion is intact. The effector cell is a killer cell possessing Fc receptors. It may be a lymphocyte lacking conventional B- or T-cell markers, or a monocyte, macrophage, or polynuclear leukocyte, depending on the identity of the target cell. The reaction is complement-independent. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity known by any other names?
Yes. Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity is also referred to as Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, Antibody-Dependent Cell, Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicities, Cell Cytotoxicities, Antibody-Dependent in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity sit in the medical classification?
Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G12.287.070). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity?
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