Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) & Treatment of Cancer

Antibodies used for cancer therapy have one of the three broadly classified mechanisms of action [5]. The first involves direct antigen-mediated activity where binding of the antibody to its antigen leads to downstream signaling, prevents downstream signaling or causes inactivation of the antigen. The second possible mechanism of action is checkpoint inhibition. In this case, antibodies bind to inhibitory receptors on key immune cells, thus preventing the inactivation of the immune system. The third mechanism involves binding to the target and recruitment of immune components such as NK cells, macrophages or the complement system to cause cytotoxicity. Each of these mechanisms is discussed …