Immunomodulatory antibodies in cancer therapy
Abstract
Among the immunomodulatory drugs modifying the immune system are monoclonal antibodies. Negative receptors, such as Cytotoxic T Cell Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Cell Death protein 1 (PD-1), reduce the level of cell stimulation by other receptors in the cases described. They inhibit the activation and proliferation of T cells. The physiological function of these receptors is the elimination of autoreactive immune cells, which have not been destroyed in the mechanism of central tolerance, and the protection of inflamed tissues in the body. Tumours by expressing negative receptor ligands avoid recognition by the immune system. Antibodies action involves blocking CTLA-4 and PD-1 receptors, restoring the ability of lymphocytes to recognise and respond to tumour antigens. Previous studies of anti-CTLA, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 drugs are moderately effective in the treatment of some advanced cancers with durable remission of the tumour. It has been proved that it is particularly advantageous to combine the two agents in synergistic effect. Despite the encouraging results of previous studies, it is necessary to find objective markers for estimating the benefits of treatment, to reduce the amount of side effects and normalise the prices of new drugs.