| One of the functions of the immune system is to recognize and destroy targets,
such as tumor cells or cells infected with microbes (bacteria or viruses). This is
accomplished by effector cells, such as T cells, NK cells, macrophages, or
granulocytes, which employ cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC), natural killer
activity (NK), or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), respectively.
CMC and NK activities are commonly monitored to assess the potency of
immune cell stimulation by small molecules, antibodies, or other regulatory
molecules, whereas ADCC activity is used to assess the potency of antibodies for
therapy. |
