Overview Introduction Antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a cooperative response involving binding of antibodies produced by B-cells to antigens recognition of the constant fragment (Fc) by effector cells release of damaging substances by effector cells destruction of the pathogenic organism ADCC is an interaction between innate and adaptive immunity that is important because it allows innate immune effectors to recognize pathogens that do not express pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) hide these patterns from innate immune detection otherwise subvert innate immune function it composes a big part of the immune response to parasites Activation ADCC is activated by specific binding of circulating antibodies to antigens using IgG antibodies for the majority of responses IgE antbodies for invasive helminths and other parasites recruitment of immune cells by the constant fragment (Fc) of the antibody including granulocytes such as neutrophils monocytes eosinophils other cells such as macrophages natural killer cells ADCC is an adaptation of innate immune functions by the adaptive immune system The specificity of ADCC is determined by the specificity of the antibody Effector Mechanisms After recognition of the coated pathogen a variety of cells are recruited to the pathogen ADCC Effector Cells Cell Type Function Mechanism Macrophages General destruction of recognized pathogens Presentation of ingested antigens Release of lytic enzymes and toxic substances Natural killer cells Detection of abnormal cells without MHC expression Anti-tumor cell immunity Release of granzyme and perforin proteins Neutrophils Antibacterial immunity Release of lytic enzymes Generation of reactive oxygen species Eosinophils Antiparasitic immunity Release of major basic protein and other toxic substances