Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Antibody-dependent cellular hypertoxicity is a variety of cytotoxic hypersensitivity [hypersensitivity - cytotoxic] that does not activate complement. The hypersensitivity is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction in which cytotoxic IgG or IgM antibodies are formed against cell surface antigens. Antibody-dependent cellular hypertoxicity may be involved in some autoimmune diseases [autoimmune disease], such as autoimmune thyroiditis [thyroiditis - autoimmune].