Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.

Opinion Article - Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy (2025) Volume 8, Issue 2

How Monoclonal Antibodies Work: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Prospects

Lingwen Xiang *

Center of Translational Medicine, Zibo Central Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical University, China

*Corresponding Author:
Lingwen Xiang
Center of Translational Medicine, Zibo Central Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical University, China
E-mail: l.xiang@bjmu.edu.cn

Received: 03-Apr -2025, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-25-163915; Editor assigned: 04-Apr-2025, PreQC No. AAJCIT-25-163915 (PQ); Reviewed:18-Apr-2025, QC No. AAJCIT-25-163915; Revised:23-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-25-163915 (R); Published:28-Apr-2025, DOI:10.35841/aajcit-8.2.260

Citation: Xiang L. How monoclonal antibodies work: Mechanisms, applications, and future prospects. J Cancer Immunol Ther. 2025;8(2):260

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy

Introduction

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized medicine, offering precise and effective treatments for various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. These laboratory-engineered molecules mimic the immune system’s natural defense mechanisms, providing targeted therapy with fewer side effects than traditional treatments [1].

This article explores the mechanisms of monoclonal antibodies, their diverse applications, and future developments that will further enhance their therapeutic potential. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules designed to recognize and bind to a specific antigen. Unlike polyclonal antibodies, which are produced from different immune cells and target multiple epitopes, mAbs are derived from a single clone of B cells and target a single epitope, ensuring high specificity [2].

The development of mAbs involves several key steps: A target antigen (e.g., a cancer cell marker) is chosen. B cells from an immunized animal are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas, which continuously produce antibodies. The most effective hybridoma is selected and cloned [3].

Antibodies are produced in bioreactors and purified for medical use. Monoclonal antibodies exert their effects through various mechanisms: mAbs bind to pathogens or toxins, preventing their interaction with host cells. Example: Palivizumab neutralizes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [4].

Some mAbs block receptors on cells, inhibiting disease processes. Example: Cetuximab blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cancer. mAbs tag infected or cancerous cells for destruction by immune cells. Example: Rituximab (anti-CD20) in lymphoma [5].

Some mAbs trigger the complement system, leading to cell lysis. Example: Alemtuzumab in leukemia. Checkpoint inhibitors restore T-cell activity against cancer. Example: Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1). Monoclonal antibodies have transformed oncology by targeting cancer-specific markers: Trastuzumab binds HER2, blocking growth signals [6].

Rituximab (CD20), Daratumumab (CD38) for multiple myeloma. Nivolumab (PD-1), Ipilimumab (CTLA-4) enhance anti-tumor immunity. mAbs help modulate overactive immune responses in conditions like: Adalimumab (TNF-α inhibitor) reduces inflammation [7].

Ocrelizumab (anti-CD20) targets B cells. Infliximab suppresses inflammation in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Monoclonal antibodies are valuable in combating infectious diseases: Casirivimab and Imdevimab neutralize SARS-CoV-2 [8].

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) target conserved viral regions. Inmazeb (three-antibody cocktail) improves survival. Monoclonal antibodies help prevent organ rejection: Reduces T-cell activation in kidney transplants. Induces immunosuppression for graft survival [9].

Emerging applications of mAbs in neurology include: Aducanumab targets amyloid plaques. Erenumab blocks CGRP receptors. Simultaneously target two antigens, improving efficacy. Link cytotoxic drugs to mAbs for targeted chemotherapy. Precision medicine ensures patients receive the most effective mAb therapy [10].

Conclusion

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized medicine by providing highly targeted therapies with improved efficacy and safety. Their applications span cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. Advances in engineering, personalized medicine, and cost reduction will further expand their impact, making monoclonal antibodies a cornerstone of modern therapeutics.

References

  1. A Baudino T. Targeted cancer therapy: the next generation of cancer treatment. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2015;12(1):3-20.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  2. Efferth T, Li PC, Konkimalla VS, et al., From traditional Chinese medicine to rational cancer therapy. Trends Mol Med. 2007;13(8):353-61.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Moslehi JJ. Cardiovascular toxic effects of targeted cancer therapies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;375(15):1457-67.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Sullivan R, Smith JE, Rowan NJ. Medicinal mushrooms and cancer therapy: translating a traditional practice into Western medicine. Perspect Biol Med. 2006;49(2):159-70.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar,

  5. Zhang H, Berezov A, Wang Q, et al., ErbB receptors: from oncogenes to targeted cancer therapies. J Clin Investig. 2007;117(8):2051-8.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Perera PK. Traditional medicine-based therapies for cancer management. Sys Rev Pharm. 2019;10(1):90-2.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Ouyang L, Luo Y, Tian M, et al., Plant natural products: from traditional compounds to new emerging drugs in cancer therapy. Cell Prolif. 2014;47(6):506-15.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Ky B, Vejpongsa P, Yeh ET, et al., Emerging paradigms in cardiomyopathies associated with cancer therapies. Circ Res.2013;113(6):754-64.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Herrmann J. Adverse cardiac effects of cancer therapies: cardiotoxicity and arrhythmia. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2020;17(8):474-502.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Chen H, Zhou X, Gao Y, et al., Recent progress in development of new sonosensitizers for sonodynamic cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today. 2014;19(4):502-9.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App