Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by releasing the brakes on immune system T cells to enhance their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Checkpoints like Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are normally involved in regulating the immune response but can be exploited by cancers to evade immune attacks. Monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint proteins PD-1 and CTLA-4 such as nivolumab (Opdivo), pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) have proved highly effective against lung cancer, melanoma and other cancers with promising long term survival benefits. Combination checkpoint therapies are also being explored to potentially achieve better responses.

Cytokine Therapies

Cytokines are immune signaling proteins produced by immune cells that act as intercellular messengers to regulate immune responses. Certain cytokines have anti-tumor properties and are being developed as potential Cancer Biologics  treatments. Interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 were amongst the first cytokines used clinically, showing activity in melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and hematological cancers. More recently, engineered cytokines with enhanced ability to activate immune cells like interleukin-12 and interleukin-15 are under evaluation both as monotherapies as well as in combination with other immunotherapies. Their integration with other biologics holds promise to stimulate more robust and durable anti-tumor immunity.

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