IMMUNOMODULATORS Flashcards
What is immunomodulation?
use of drugs, alone or in combination with other maneuvers, to change the function of all, or part, of the immune system.
define BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE MODIFIERS.
loose class of substances targeted mostly at cytokines or their receptors, or at cellular communication molecules. -can be antagonists or agonists.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
These antibodies derive from the progeny of a single B cell, that has been fused with a multiple myeloma tumor cell; the resultant hybrid line can grow forever in culture like its tumor parent, but make the specific antibody of its B cell parent.
[-omab] monoclonals
monoclonals were made from immunized mice; such antibodies are murine
[-ximab] monoclonals
engineered at the DNA level to have the mouse VL and VH domains, but human C domains; these are chimeric. less likely to be recognized by your patient’s own immune system
[-zumab] monoclonals
monoclonals which are humanized; only the CDR’s of the V domains are from the mouse
[-umab] monoclonals
fully human
What are natural killer cells?
large granular lymphocytes (LGL) which make up 5-10% of blood lymphocytic cells. do not have rearranged V(D)J genes and are not thymic-derived they are part of the innate immune system
What is ADCC?
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or ADCC. Used by NK cells to bind FC portion of IgG already bound on cell via (Fc[gamma]R). It’s then activated and promotes cell death.
What are immunotoxins?
Antibodies can tagged with a poison such as calicheamicin, or diphtheria toxin, or a radioisotope and is used in cancer therapy.
Use of monoclonals as anti-inflammatory agents, mechanism?
mAb could target TNFa, IgE, alpha-4 integrin (blocks lymphocyte migration, anti Il-6 receptor).
Interleukin-2 uses?
renal cancer and melanoma
Interferon gamma uses?
Chronic granulomatouse disease and osteopetrosis
G-CSF uses?
Treatment of lymphoma, leukemia, and in bone marrow transplantation. Adjunct in cancer chemotherapy.
GM-CSF uses?
Treat leukemia, and in bone marrow transplantation (Both to mobilize stem cells, and after reconstitution)
