Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity

This animation explores antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a pathway through which the immune system can target cancer cells. A tumour-targeting antibody binds an antigen on the cancer cell. Its Fc region then engages CD16A receptors on a natural killer (NK) cell.

This interaction activates the NK cell, prompting it to release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes. Perforin helps granzymes enter the target cell, where they activate pathways that lead to apoptosis. The sequence visualises how antibody recognition can connect a cancer cell with an NK-cell response.

The contribution of ADCC can vary depending on the antibody, cancer type and biological context.