Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity

**Semantic type:** Phenomenon or Process

**Definition:** Activated by cell-surface bound antibody, by immune complexes, or by microbial membrane carbohydrate, Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity involves complex cascades (classical or properdin pathway) of sequentially interacting serum proteins (some serine proteases), their receptors, and related regulatory proteins that generate Membrane Attack Complex, which creates target cell pores and lysis.

**Synonyms:** - CDC