The full form of CDC in immunology is Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity.
Understanding Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC)
In the field of immunology, particularly in the context of transplantation and antibody testing, CDC stands for Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity. This is a laboratory technique used to detect antibodies that can bind to target cells and, in the presence of complement proteins, cause the lysis (destruction) of those cells.
Based on available information, Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC) was historically a crucial technique. It was the first method routinely employed for:
- HLA Antibody Detection: Identifying antibodies that target Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) on cells. HLA antibodies are important because they can cause rejection of transplanted organs or tissues.
- Crossmatch Testing: A pre-transplant test where a potential recipient's serum is mixed with donor cells (typically lymphocytes) to see if the recipient has antibodies that would react against the donor's cells. A positive CDC crossmatch often indicates a high risk of hyperacute or acute rejection.
How CDC Works (Simplified)
- Patient serum (containing potential antibodies) is mixed with target cells (e.g., donor lymphocytes).
- If antibodies are present and bind to the target cells, complement proteins are added.
- The bound antibodies activate the complement system, which forms a pore complex on the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis.
- Cell lysis is detected using a dye that enters damaged cells (like trypan blue) or by measuring the release of intracellular components.
This technique, while foundational, has been supplemented or replaced in many labs by more sensitive and specific methods for antibody detection and crossmatching, such as flow cytometry crossmatching and solid-phase assays (like Luminex). However, understanding Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity remains important for appreciating the historical development and basic principles of transplant immunology testing.
