What role do monoclonal antibodies play in treatment?

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to be highly specific for particular antigens. Their primary role in treatment, especially in the context of diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, is to target these specific antigens. By binding to these targets, monoclonal antibodies can mark them for destruction by the immune system, block their function, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to the affected cells. This targeted approach helps to minimize damage to healthy cells and improves therapeutic outcomes in conditions characterized by abnormal cell proliferation or immune dysfunction.

In the setting of cancer, for example, some monoclonal antibodies can directly inhibit the growth of tumor cells or recruit other components of the immune system to attack the cancer cells. Similarly, in autoimmune disorders, they can interfere with the pathogenic processes that contribute to the disease. This specificity and mechanism of action make monoclonal antibodies a vital tool in modern therapeutic interventions for a range of diseases.