Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) happens when a tumor cell is killed with the help of an antibody. These antibodies recognise and attach to the tumor cell, in turn helping to increase the likelihood of an immune cell recognising a tumor cell. The mediation of the interaction between the Natural Killer (NK) and tumor cell by the antibody causes the NK cell to release enzymes such as perforin and granzymes, where perforin forms a hole in the cell membrane and granzymes enter the cell through the hole to kill the tumor cell.

 

In the case of Amplified Natural Killer (ANK) cell therapy, the presence of antibodies can be helpful. Like NK cells, antibodies can recognise and bind to surface receptors of all tumor cells throughout the body, which means that the interactions between the NK and tumor cells become more efficient at multiple sites. This ensures that tumor cells are cleared completely and that the chance of recurrence is reduced, boosting the already high attacking power of ANK therapy.