Immunology - Immune-modulating therapies 1 & 2 Flashcards
By what mechanism can B cells provide immunological memory?
High affinity IgG remains circulating in blood
What is the best predictor of immunity to influenza following a vaccine?
IgG against haemaglutinnin (moreso than CD8 T cells) detected using a Haemagluttinin (HA) assay
Why is adjuvant used in some vaccines?
increase the immune response without altering its specificity:
What does PEP for HIV contain?
Specific immunoglobulin for HIV
What monoclonal antibody can be used in melanoma treatment? Its specific for what antibody?
Ipilimumab (anti-CTL-A4)
This blocks an immune checkpoint by binding to CTLA4, forces CD80 and CD86 to go through stimulatory CD28 pathway –> enhanced T cell response
In what disease can IFN gamma be given therapeutically?
Chronic granulomatous disease
In what disease can IL2 be given therapeutically?
Renal cell carcinoma
IL-2 expands NK and T cell responses via the IL-2 surface receptor
In what 2 diseases can IFN alpha be given therapeutically?
CML
Multiple myeloma
How do steroids inhibit the immune response?
Inhibit phospholipase A2 which is a key enzyme in prostaglandin formation, reducing inflammation
Also decrease phagocyte trafficking (hence there is a transient increase in neutrophil count)
Recall 3 examples of anti-proliferative agents
Cyclophosphamide
Azothioprine
Mycophenalate
What is the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide?
alkylating agent
Alkylation of guanine –> inhibition of DNA synthesis
affects B cells > T
What is the mechanism of action of azothioprine?
purine analogue
coverts purine to 6 mercaptopurine (6-MP
inhibits de novo purine synthesis and acts as an antiproliferative
affects T cells > B
What must always be checked before prescribing azothioprine?
TPMT activity
Thiopurine methyltransferase
How can plasmapheresis be used to treat autoimmune diseases? What should you give in conjunction
emoves problematic antibody
Need to give alongside an antiproliferative agent such as cyclophosphamide to prevent rebound antibody production
How do calcineurin inhibitors work?
blocks IL2 production
Give 2 examples of a calcineurin inhibitor? What cells do they inhibit
inhibit t lymphocytes
Cyclosporine
tacrolimus
Give 2 diseases in which JAK2 (janus kinase) inhibitors can be useful?
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
By what mechanism do PDE4 (phosphodiesterase) inhibitors work, and in what disease are they useful?
increased cAMP
activates PKA (protein kinase A)
leads to decrease in cytokine production
Recall 2 immune-modulating therapies that are useful in the prophylaxis of allograft rejection
Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)
Anti-CD25 (Basiliximab)
Wha type of antibody is rituximab?
Anti-CD20
What monoclonal antibody can be used in IBD treatment?
Vedolizumab
Anti - alpha4beta7 integrin
What is infliximab?
Anti-TNF alpha
What monoclonal therapy can be used in osteoporosis?
anti-RANK/RANK-ligand = Denosumab
What is the mechanism of action of tofacitinib
JAK inhibition
What is the mechanism of action of apremilast?
Anti-PDE4