Being "not antibody-dependent" refers to immune system responses and defense mechanisms that function without relying on the action of antibodies.
The immune system has multiple pathways to recognize and fight pathogens. While the production of antibodies by B cells is a major part of the adaptive immune response, other branches and aspects of immunity do not require them.
What is an antibody?
Antibodies are heavy proteins that are approximately 10 nanometers in size. These molecules are produced by B cells in order to identify and neutralize harmful agents such as infectious bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These Y-shaped proteins contain antigen-binding sites that specifically bind to their target antigens.
Once antibodies effectively bind to their target antigen, they can either neutralize it directly by blocking regular antigen binding or induce the recruitment of other immune cells or molecules that promote the antigen's removal or destruction. In mammals, such antibodies come in a variety of forms commonly known as isotypes.
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