antistofgemedieerd

Antistofgemedieerd is a Dutch term used in immunology to describe processes in which antibodies are the primary mediators of an immune response. The phrase translates roughly to “antibody-mediated.” In this context, antibodies bind to antigens and recruit other components of the immune system to eliminate or neutralize the target, rather than relying mainly on T cells.

Key mechanisms associated with antistofgemedieerd activity include antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and antibody-mediated complement activation. In ADCC, antibodies bound to a target cell are recognized by Fc receptors on natural killer cells and other effector cells, prompting the release of cytotoxic molecules that kill the target. In ADCP, phagocytes such as macrophages or neutrophils recognize opsonized targets through Fc or complement receptors and ingest them. Complement activation is initiated when antibodies bound to a pathogen or infected cell trigger the classical pathway, leading to opsonization and, in some cases, lysis via the membrane attack complex.

Contexts in which antistofgemedieerd processes are relevant include infections by extracellular pathogens, viral infections where neutralizing antibodies prevent entry, and autoimmune or alloimmune conditions where antibodies contribute to tissue damage. Therapeutically, many monoclonal antibody treatments harness antistofgemedieerd mechanisms to clear disease targets.

Antistofgemedieerd responses often operate alongside cell-mediated immunity, and the relative contribution of antibody- versus T-cell–mediated mechanisms can vary by pathogen and clinical context. Limitations include dependence on antibody isotype, affinity, and Fc receptor interactions, as well as potential for immune complex–related pathology.