Which drug class primarily targets specific antigens to treat diseases?

Monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs that are designed to specifically target particular antigens, which are typically proteins found on the surface of cells, including cancer cells or pathogens. These antibodies are engineered to recognize and bind to these antigens with high specificity, allowing for targeted therapeutic effects. This precision helps in treating various diseases, particularly in oncology (cancer treatment), autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

The innovative mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies allows them to modulate the immune response, block signaling pathways, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to disease-affected cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This targeted approach is a key advantage over more generalized treatments, as it can lead to better efficacy and fewer side effects in many cases. Thus, the specificity of monoclonal antibodies in targeting diseases directly correlates with their function and therapeutic use.