Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
| Definition: |
The phenomenon of target cell destruction by immunologically active effector cells. It may be brought about directly by sensitized T-lymphocytes or by lymphoid or myeloid "killer" cells, or it may be mediated by cytotoxic antibody, cytotoxic factor released by lymphoid cells, or complement. |
| Notes: |
note category: reserve for process: do not confuse with CYTOTOXICITY TESTS, IMMUNOLOGIC; DF: CYTOTOX IMMUNOL |
| Also Called: |
Immunologic Tumoricidal Activities |
| Previously Indexed: |
Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic (1971-1977),Immunity, Cellular (1970-1977),Lymphocytes (1966-1977),T Lymphocytes (1973-1979) |
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic Categories.
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Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity - 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. |
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Macrophage Activation - The process of altering the morphology and functional activity of macrophages so that they become avidly phagocytic. It is initiated by lymphokines, such as the macrophage activation factor (MAF) and the macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MMIF), immune complexes, C3b, and various peptides, polysaccharides, and immunologic adjuvants. |
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic Definitions and Terms
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