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Murine Model of CD40-activation of B cells
Published on: March 5, 2010
Therapeutic potential of anti-CD137 (4-1BB) monoclonal antibodies
Dass S Vinay1, Byoung S Kwon1,2
1a 1 Tulane University, Section of Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine , New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Introduction:
4-1BB (CD137) is an important T-cell stimulating molecule. The 4-1BB mAb or its variants have shown remarkable therapeutic activity against autoimmunity, viral infections, and cancer. Antibodies to 4-1BB have recently entered clinical trials for the treatment of cancer with favorable toxicity profile. In this article, we present a review documenting the efficacy and pitfalls of 4-1BB therapy.
Areas Covered:
An extensive literature search has been made on 4-1BB, spanning two decades, and a comprehensive report is presented here highlighting the origins, biological effects, therapeutic potential, and mechanistic basis of targeting 4-1BB as well as the side effects associated with such therapy.
Expert Opinion:
Research so far indicates that 4-1BB is highly protective against various pathological conditions including cancer. However, a few important side effects of 4-1BB therapy such as liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and suppressive effects on certain immune competent cells should be taken into consideration before it is used for human therapy.
