Fc receptor

English

Schematic diagram showing Fc receptor interaction with an antibody-coated microbial pathogen

Etymology

from its binding specificity for the constant part of antibodies known as the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region.

Noun

Fc receptor (plural Fc receptors)

1. (biochemistry) a protein found on the surface of certain immune and blood cells that binds to antibodies attached to infected cells or invading pathogens, enabling antibody-mediated phagocytosis or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)