Anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies
What are Anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies used in immunotherapy are produced artificially from a cell clone therefore consist of a single type of immunoglobulin. They are targeted towards specific antigens and bind to the antigens to form a complex. The complex can be recognized and destroyed by phagocytes or used for other diagnostic purposes. Anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies are directed to the inhibitory receptor CD152 (CTLA-4). They may be use to treat certain types of melanoma.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA-4), also known as CD152, is a co-inhibitory molecule that functions to regulate T cell activation. Antibodies that block the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands B7. 1 and B7. 2 can enhance immune responses, including anti-tumor immunity.
Ipilimumab (Yervoy) and tremelimumab (Imjuno) are monoclonal antibodies that attach to CTLA-4 and stop it from working. This can help boost the body’s immune response against cancer cells. These drugs are typically used along with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor.
The roles of CTLA-4 and PD-1 in inhibiting immune responses, including antitumor responses, are largely distinct. CTLA-4 is thought to regulate T-cell proliferation early in an immune response, primarily in lymph nodes, whereas PD-1 suppresses T cells later in an immune response, primarily in peripheral tissues.





