Complement-dependent cytotoxicity
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (pronounced: kuhm-pleh-ment dih-pen-dent sy-toh-tox-ih-si-tee) is a biological process that involves the lysis, or destruction, of target cells by the immune system. This process is mediated by the complement system, a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism.
Etymology
The term "complement-dependent cytotoxicity" is derived from the words "complement", "dependent", and "cytotoxicity". "Complement" refers to the complement system, "dependent" indicates that the process relies on this system, and "cytotoxicity" is derived from the Greek words "kytos" meaning "cell" and "toxicity" meaning "poison", referring to the destruction of cells.
Process
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity is initiated when an antibody binds to a target cell. The bound antibody then recruits components of the complement system, leading to the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC). The MAC forms a pore in the membrane of the target cell, causing it to swell and eventually lyse.
Related Terms
- Complement system: A part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism.
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
- Membrane attack complex (MAC): A structure typically formed on the surface of pathogen cells as a result of the activation of the host's complement system, and as such is a component of the immune system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complement-dependent cytotoxicity
- Wikipedia's article - Complement-dependent cytotoxicity
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