Tropisetron

Medication used to treat nausea and vomiting

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

Tropisetron is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily as an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is also used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Tropisetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking the action of serotonin at the 5-HT3 receptors.

Medical uses

Tropisetron is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is also used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. The drug is administered either orally or intravenously.

Mechanism of action

Tropisetron works by selectively blocking the 5-HT3 receptors in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. By inhibiting the action of serotonin at these receptors, it prevents the activation of the vomiting reflex.

Pharmacokinetics

Tropisetron is well absorbed after oral administration. It undergoes hepatic metabolism and is excreted primarily via the kidneys. The elimination half-life of tropisetron is approximately 8 hours.

Side effects

Common side effects of tropisetron include headache, constipation, and dizziness. Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions and cardiac arrhythmias.

Contraindications

Tropisetron is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment or renal impairment.

See also

• Ondansetron
• Granisetron
• Palonosetron
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting

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  Tropisetron 2D Structure

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  Tropisetron 3D Animation