The impact of biological agents interfering with receptor/ligand binding in the immune system

R. Cianci, G. Cammarota, F. Raducci, F. Pandolfi

Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University – Rome (Italy)

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• Immunology

Abstract. – We herein discuss the impact of biological agents based on the ability of monoclonal antibodies to target specific molecules. This approach has given to clinical immunologists a spectrum of drugs able to manipulate the immune system.
In the first session, we discuss drugs targeting T-cell function by: (1) targeting CD28 mediated costimulation (Abatacept and Belatacept); (2) interfering with interleukin-2 receptor (Basiliximab and Daclizumab); (3) blocking cell adhesion and homing (Alefacept, Efalizumab, Natalizumab).
The second session is dedicated to drugs targeting cytokines or their receptors. The best known and largely experimented case is represented by drugs targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (Infliximab, Adalilumab, Certolizumab) or its p75 receptor (Etanercept). However, newer products are now available to target other inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IL-23.
These agents have the potential to become powerful tools in the control of several immune-mediated diseases, especially auto-immune and inflammatory ones. They traslate into reality the prediction that antibodies will eventually become “magic bulletts which seek their own target” (P. Ehrich, 1906).