Monoclonal antibodies: versatile platforms for cancer immunotherapy

Nat Rev Immunol. 2010 May;10(5):317-27. doi: 10.1038/nri2744.

Abstract

Antibodies are important therapeutic agents for cancer. Recently, it has become clear that antibodies possess several clinically relevant mechanisms of action. Many clinically useful antibodies can manipulate tumour-related signalling. In addition, antibodies exhibit various immunomodulatory properties and, by directly activating or inhibiting molecules of the immune system, antibodies can promote the induction of antitumour immune responses. These immunomodulatory properties can form the basis for new cancer treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • CD40 Antigens / antagonists & inhibitors
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • Cancer Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Complement System Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • CD40 Antigens
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • CTLA4 protein, human
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Complement System Proteins