Ketalar

Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

Diagram of engineered monoclonal antibodies

Engineered monoclonal antibodies are a class of biological therapies that are designed to target specific antigens on the surface of cells. These antibodies are produced using recombinant DNA technologies and are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Structure and Function

Monoclonal antibodies are composed of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y-shaped molecule. The tips of the "Y" contain the antigen-binding sites, which are highly specific to the target antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to their target with high affinity, blocking or modulating the function of the antigen.

Types of Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

There are several types of engineered monoclonal antibodies, each designed for specific therapeutic purposes:

• Chimeric antibodies: These antibodies are composed of murine (mouse) variable regions and human constant regions. They are less immunogenic than fully murine antibodies.

• Humanized antibodies: These antibodies are mostly human, with only the antigen-binding sites derived from murine sources. This reduces the risk of immune reactions.

• Fully human antibodies: These are entirely human in origin, produced using transgenic mice or phage display technologies.

• Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies are engineered to bind two different antigens simultaneously, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms.

Applications in Medicine

Engineered monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases:

• Cancer therapy: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific tumor antigens, leading to direct tumor cell killing or recruitment of immune cells to attack the tumor.

• Autoimmune diseases: By targeting specific components of the immune system, monoclonal antibodies can reduce inflammation and tissue damage in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Infectious diseases: Monoclonal antibodies can neutralize pathogens or their toxins, providing passive immunity or enhancing the host's immune response.

Production

The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies involves several steps:

1. Antigen identification: The target antigen is identified and characterized. 2. Hybridoma technology: B cells from immunized animals are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody. 3. Recombinant DNA technology: Genes encoding the antibody are cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. 4. Purification and formulation: The antibodies are purified and formulated for clinical use.

Challenges and Future Directions

While engineered monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise, there are challenges such as high production costs, potential for immune reactions, and the development of resistance. Ongoing research aims to improve antibody design, reduce immunogenicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Related Pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Biopharmaceutical
• Immunotherapy
• Hybridoma technology

Ketalar is a brand name for ketamine, a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. Other uses include for chronic pain and for sedation in intensive care.

Medical uses

Ketalar is used in both human and veterinary medicine. In humans, it is frequently employed in procedures that do not require muscle relaxation, preferred for patients at risk of bronchospasm and respiratory depression. It is also a critical therapy in emergency settings, particularly in cases of trauma, and is used in the management of severe pain in burn therapy.

Pharmacology

Ketalar acts mainly as an NMDA receptor antagonist, but it also has some interaction with the opioid receptors and sigma receptors. This makes it a versatile drug in the field of anesthesia due to its rapid onset of effects and short duration of action. Its hallucinogenic effects are due to its dissociative properties.

Side effects

Common side effects include psychological reactions as the medication wears off, such as agitation, confusion, or hallucinations. Physical side effects may include elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term use can lead to cognitive impairments and potential addiction.

History

Ketalar was first synthesized in 1962 by Calvin Stevens at Parke-Davis Laboratories. It was approved for use in the United States in 1970 and has since been included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Society and culture

Legal status varies by country, with some having listed it under controlled substances due to its potential for abuse. Despite this, it remains a valuable drug in medical practice, particularly in low-resource settings, due to its safety profile and broad utility.

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