Opdivo and Keytruda

Are you researching for the drugs used in immunotherapy with no clear answers,
with a lot of mixed and unclear information or have you been suggested this kind of
treatment, but you still have doubts about how does this kind of therapy works? Here
we’re going to disclose some information that you may find helpful.
Opdivo and Keytruda are the first two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-
approved monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1. So, to understand how it works first
we must talk about this protein called PD-1, which stands for Programmed Cell
Death Protein 1, as it names mention it, its in charge of regulating the immune
system’s response by down-regulating it and by suppressing T cell inflammation
activity which prevents autoimmune diseases BUT it can also prevent the immune
system for killing cancer cells. PD-1 has two ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, there are
studies showing the expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells inhibits anti-tumor activity
through T cells. When these ligands join the receptors on PD-1 the immune response
is suppressed, and the cancer cells are able to evade immune surveillance. Here is
where Opdivo and Keytruda work: instead of letting PD-L1 and PD-L2 bound to PD1 protein, they interfere in this interaction, known as immune checkpoint blockade,
resulting in dis-inhibition of tumor-specific immune response, so your T-cells can
recognize and go after the cancer cells.

PD-1 has been an important advance in cancer treatment, ushering in the new age of immunotherapy. However it is just the opening act, as many more therapies that will take this success rate are currently being studied.