Monoclonal antibody therapy

Monoclonal antibody therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to bind to specific cells or proteins. This may then stimulate the patient's immune system to attack those cells. It is possible to create a mAb that is specific for any given target. In this way, monoclonal antibody therapy is a way to specifically target disease-related cells.

History

The concept of monoclonal antibody therapy was first developed in the 1970s by César Milstein and Georges J. F. Köhler, who were later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work. The first therapeutic monoclonal antibody, muromonab-CD3, was approved in 1986 for the treatment of acute transplant rejection.

Mechanism of action

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to bind to antigens that are generally more numerous on the cell surface of cancer cells than healthy cells. The binding of the monoclonal antibody to the antigen can lead to an immune response that can destroy the cancer cell. The monoclonal antibodies can also be designed to block signals that allow cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably.

Uses

Monoclonal antibody therapy is currently used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including different types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, and rituximab (Rituxan) is used in the treatment of certain types of lymphoma.

Side effects

Like all therapies, monoclonal antibody therapy can have side effects. These can include allergic reactions, skin rashes, flu-like symptoms, and more serious side effects such as heart problems and immune reactions.

Future directions

Research is ongoing to develop new monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of other diseases, to improve the efficacy of existing monoclonal antibody therapies, and to reduce side effects.