Monoclonal Antibodies Flashcards
1
Q
What is a monoclonal antibody?
A
Monoclonal antibodies are monovalent antibodies which bind to the same epitope and are produced from a single B-lymphocyte clone
2
Q
How do monoclonal antibodies work in autoimmune diseases?
A
- Bind to cell surface receptor to activate signalling within the cell
- Bind to cell surface receptor to inhibit signalling within the cell
- Bind and internalised (into cell) for antibodies delivering toxins into cancer cells
- Block inhibitory effects on T cells
3
Q
What are 3 examples of monoclonal antibodies?
A
- Rituximab
- Trastuzumab
- Infliximab
4
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Rituximab?
A
- A monoclonal antibody against CD20
- Used for B cell lymphoma (cancer) as CD20 is expressed on the surface of all B cells
5
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Trastuzumab?
A
- Inhibition of HER-2 signalling
- Used for breast cancer
6
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Infliximab?
A
- Inhibition of TNF (one of the inflammatory cytokines)
- Many auto-immune conditions e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohns, Psoriasis
