Fc receptor

noun

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).

Meanings

nounFc receptor (plural Fc receptors)

plural Fc receptors

  1. biochemistryA 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).

Origin

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

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Fc receptor. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fc%20receptor

MLA

“Fc receptor.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fc%20receptor. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Fc receptor,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Fc%20receptor.

Source: Fc receptor on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.