Biology – Antibodies and vaccination | e-Consult
Antibodies and vaccination (1 questions)
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Principles of Monoclonal Antibody Use in Treatment:
mAbs are used therapeutically to target specific molecules involved in disease processes. They offer several advantages, including high specificity and the ability to neutralize or block the action of target molecules.
Therapeutic Applications & Mechanisms:
- Cancer Therapy: mAbs can target cancer cells, leading to cell death or inhibiting their growth.
- Direct Cell Killing: Some mAbs bind to receptors on cancer cells, triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death). Example: Rituximab targets CD20 on B-cells in lymphoma.
- Blocking Growth Factors: mAbs can block growth factors or their receptors, preventing cancer cell proliferation. Example: Trastuzumab targets HER2, a growth factor receptor overexpressed in some breast cancers.
- Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC): mAbs can bind to cancer cells and activate the complement system, leading to cell lysis.
- Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC): mAbs can bind to cancer cells and recruit immune cells (e.g., NK cells) to kill the cancer cells.
- Autoimmune Diseases: mAbs can target immune cells or molecules involved in autoimmune responses.
- Blocking Cytokine Action: mAbs can block the action of cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha) that drive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Example: Infliximab targets TNF-alpha in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Depleting Immune Cells: mAbs can deplete specific immune cell populations (e.g., B cells) that contribute to autoimmune disease.
- Infectious Diseases: mAbs can neutralize pathogens or prevent their entry into cells. Example: Palivizumab targets RSV to prevent severe respiratory disease in infants.