Role of monoclonal antibodies in tumor-specific immunity.
Monoclonal antibodies, considered to be 'magic bullets' 20 years ago, may finally be realizing their full potential, particularly in the area of oncology, where > 10 monoclonal antibodies are approved for treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to modulate tumor-specific immunity through several approaches: antibodies that direct cytotoxicity against the tumor through cellular or complement-mediated pathways; antibodies that directly modulate immune regulation; antibodies that alter tolerance to tumor antigens; and antibodies that act as antigen mimetics through the anti-idiotype network. Therapeutic progress in these areas is reviewed as well as the potential to combine these approaches with standard therapies.
Nicodemus
Christopher F
CF
Clinical Research & Development, Unither Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 15 Walnut Street, Suite 300, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, USA. cnicodemus@unither.com
Smith
L Mary
LM
Schultes
Birgit C
BC
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000276:immunology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal