10 immunotherapy Flashcards
What diseases have been eradicated due to vaccination?
Smallpox has been eradicated; polio is close to eradication.
What are newer vaccine development approaches?
mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines.
Name two prophylactic cancer vaccines
HPV vaccine, HBV vaccine.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
Contains recombinant virus-like particles with L1 capsid antigen, inducing strong neutralising antibody response.
What age group in the UK receives the HPV vaccine?
Girls aged 12-13 since 2008.
What is the main purpose of the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Prevent chronic HBV infection and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Name the first FDA-approved cancer treatment vaccine.
Sipuleucel-T (Provenge®) for metastatic prostate cancer.
How is the BCG vaccine used in cancer therapy?
Used to treat bladder cancer by inducing necrosis and cytokine release.
What is an adjuvant?
A substance that enhances the body’s immune response to an antigen.
Name an example of an adjuvant used in vaccines.
Aluminium salts (Alum).
Why are adjuvants necessary in some vaccines?
To enhance immune response, especially in non-live vaccines.
What is desensitisation used for?
Treating allergies through controlled exposure to allergens.
What immunological shift does desensitisation cause?
Switch from IgE to IgG4, promoting Treg response.
What are possible side effects of desensitisation?
Anaphylaxis, local reactions.
What are cytokines?
Small proteins that mediate immune responses.
Name a cytokine used in therapy and its function.
G-CSF; stimulates neutrophil production.
What is a major side effect of G-CSF therapy?
Bone pain.
What does Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) target?
PD-1 receptor on T cells.
How does Pembrolizumab work?
Blocks PD-1 to reactivate T cells against tumour cells expressing PD-L1.
What is the risk of Pembrolizumab therapy?
It may cause autoimmune reactions.
Name a monoclonal antibody used for kidney transplant rejection.
Basiliximab (CD25 targeting IL-2 receptor alpha).
What is the function of TNF-alpha?
Pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses.
How can TNF-alpha be inhibited?
Using infliximab (TNF-alpha inhibitor), useful in RA and Crohn’s disease.
What is IVIG therapy?
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy; provides passive immunity in antibody-deficient individuals.