Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an important effector mechanism in immunity to virus infections. This immune pathway has also been exploited for clinical applications. For instance, patients with various disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and some B cell lymphomas, are treated with an antibody directed at CD20, a surface receptor expressed on all B cells. This antibody leads to the depletion of B cells from the patients by the actions of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) involves the binding of antibodies to target cells (in this case, CD20-expressing B cells) and the subsequent activation of effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells can recognize and kill antibody-coated target cells through the engagement of their Fc receptors with the constant region of the bound antibody, leading to the release of cytotoxic granules and the induction of cell death. Therefore, option A is the best choice as NK cells mediate ADCC in this context. None of the other choices listed are known to directly mediate ADCC.

Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) Is an Important Effector Mechanism in Immunity