Biologics: Cytokines

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biologics and cytokines, including definitions, therapeutic uses, and relevant mechanisms of action.

Biologic

A product that is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms.

Cytokines

Low-molecular-weight proteins that allow different cells to communicate with each other and are key regulators of immunity.

IL-2

A cytokine that acts as a T cell growth factor essential for T cell proliferation.

TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor, important in inflammation and immune response; exists in several forms.

IL-1β

An inflammatory cytokine that regulates a variety of innate immune processes.

Therapeutics

Drugs or treatments developed to improve health or manage disease.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

Laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can enhance or mimic the immune system's attack on cells.

Inflammasome

A multi-protein complex that activates the inflammatory response by processing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Gene therapy

Techniques that modify a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Recombinant proteins

Proteins that are genetically engineered to produce a specific substance by modifying DNA sequences.

Small molecule drugs

Chemically synthesized compounds that can enter cells easily because of their small size.

Low-dose IL-2 therapy

A treatment approach that uses low doses of IL-2 to activate regulatory T cells and treat autoimmune diseases.

Therapeutic uses

The applications of treatment to alleviate symptoms or cure diseases.

Autoimmunity

An abnormal immune response against the body's own cells or tissues.

Immunotherapeutics

Treatments that stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight disease.

Biologic

A product that is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms.

Cytokines

Low-molecular-weight proteins that allow different cells to communicate with each other and are key regulators of immunity.

IL-2

A cytokine that acts as a T cell growth factor essential for T cell proliferation.

TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor, important in inflammation and immune response; exists in several forms.

IL-1β

An inflammatory cytokine that regulates a variety of innate immune processes.

Therapeutics

Drugs or treatments developed to improve health or manage disease.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

Laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can enhance or mimic the immune system's attack on cells.

Inflammasome

A multi-protein complex that activates the inflammatory response by processing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Gene therapy

Techniques that modify a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Recombinant proteins

Proteins that are genetically engineered to produce a specific substance by modifying DNA sequences.

Small molecule drugs

Chemically synthesized compounds that can enter cells easily because of their small size.

Low-dose IL-2 therapy

A treatment approach that uses low doses of IL-2 to activate regulatory T cells and treat autoimmune diseases.

Therapeutic uses

The applications of treatment to alleviate symptoms or cure diseases.

Autoimmunity

An abnormal immune response against the body's own cells or tissues.

Immunotherapeutics

Treatments that stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight disease.

What is a key difference between biologics and small molecule drugs?

Biologics are large, complex molecules produced in living systems, while small molecule drugs are chemically synthesized, small compounds that can readily enter cells.

How do monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) typically exert their therapeutic effects?

Monoclonal antibodies act by binding specifically to target antigens, which can neutralize pathogens, block receptors, or mark cells for destruction by the immune system.

What effect does high-dose IL-2 therapy typically have, contrasting with low-dose IL-2 therapy?

High-dose IL-2 therapy primarily activates effector T cells and NK cells for anti-cancer responses, while low-dose IL-2 therapy preferentially activates regulatory T cells (T_{reg}) to suppress autoimmune responses.

How does the inflammasome contribute to the inflammatory response?

The inflammasome responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by activating caspase-1, which then cleaves and activates pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-18.

What is a primary goal of gene therapy?

The primary goal of gene therapy is to introduce, remove, or modify genetic material in a patient's cells to treat or prevent genetic disorders or acquired diseases like cancer.

What is a main role of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in the immune system, and what type of diseases are often targeted by TNF inhibitors?

TNF is a central mediator of inflammation and immune responses. TNF inhibitors are commonly used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.

What are the two general modes of action for immunotherapeutics?

Immunotherapeutics can either stimulate the immune system to enhance its fight against diseases (e.g., cancer) or suppress an overactive immune system (e.g., autoimmune diseases or transplant rejection).