The anti-tumor mechanism of action of lpilimumab

Ipilimumab (Ipilimumab), also known as CTLA-4 inhibitor, is a drug used for anti-tumor treatment. Its mechanism of action involves immune regulation and the regulation of immune checkpoints. To gain a more complete understanding of its mechanism of action, let’s dive into it.

1.Background: Immune checkpoints and anti-tumor therapy

Immune checkpoint is a natural immune regulatory mechanism used to maintain the balance of the immune system. They are protein molecules found on the surface ofTcells that help regulate the magnitude and duration of immune responses. However, some tumors can abuse these checkpoints, evading immune system attack by overactivating them. One of the goals of anti-tumor therapy is to restore the immune system's recognition and attack of cancer cells.

2.The role and normal function of CTLA-4

CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4) is an immune checkpoint molecule that is widely present on the surface of T cells. Its main function is to inhibit the activity of TT cells to prevent excessive immune responses and autoimmune diseases. CTLA-4 competes with B7 molecules on antigen-presenting cells. The activating receptor CD28 of n>T cells competes for binding and reduces the reactivity of T cells to antigen.

3.CTLA-4Overexpression in Cancer

In some tumors, overexpression of CTLA-4 can cause the immune system to become ineffective against cancer cells. This is because tumor cells can inhibit the activity of T cells by interacting with CTLA-4 so that they cannot effectively attack cancer cells. In this case, the immune system is blocked, allowing the tumor to escape immune surveillance and continue to grow and spread.

4.Mechanism of action of ipilimumab

Ipilimumab is a humanized antiCTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to restore the immune system's attack on tumors. Its mechanism of action can be summarized as the following steps:

Relieving immunosuppression: Ipilimumab binds to the CTLA-4 molecule and prevents its binding to the B7 molecule, thereby preventing CTLA-4 from inhibiting T cell activity. This means that TT cells can respond more freely to tumor cell antigens.

EnhanceTcell activity: By relieving the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4, ipilimumab enhances the activity of T cells, allowing them to attack cancer cells more vigorously.

Induction of immune cell infiltration: The application of ipilimumab can guide immune cells, especially T cells, into the tumor microenvironment. This helps increase the concentration of immune cells at the tumor site and enhances the attack effect.

Sustained immune effect: The effects of ipilimumab can lead to a sustained immune response, allowing the immune system to remain alert to tumors even after treatment ends.

5.Indications and efficacy

Ipilimumab has been approved to treat a variety of malignancies, including malignant melanoma (skin cancer) and metastatic colorectal cancer. It is often used in combination with other anti-tumor drugs to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

6.Side Effects and Safety

While ipilimumab is highly effective in boosting the immune system's attack on tumors, it can also cause immune-related side effects, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the development of immune disorders. Therefore, patients need to be monitored closely during treatment and these side effects managed.

In short, as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab relieves the inhibitory effect of CTLA-4 on T cells and enhances the immune system's attack on tumors, providing a new way for anti-tumor treatment. However, its use requires careful consideration as potential side effects require effective management and monitoring. The drug represents an important advance in immunotherapy in cancer treatment.

Ipilimumab is not currently available in China, so patients cannot purchase it domestically and can only purchase it through overseas purchase channels. There are only original drugs of Ipilimumab abroad, mainly Turkish original drugs and Bristol-Myers Squibb original drugs. The price of Turkish original drugs is around 12,000 yuan, and the specification is 50mg/10ml; Bristol-Myers Squibb's original drug costs about 11,700 yuan, and its specifications are also 50mg/10ml. The ingredients of the two drugs are the same.