What is a monoclonal antibody exactly? Well, monoclonal antibodies are molecules that are made in a laboratory and they assist in treating various types of cancer, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and more. Most of these antibody drugs are administered through a vein. Keep in mind that these drugs do not cure disease, but they simply aid in the body’s immune response to the disease. Monoclonal antibody drugs enhance the ability of our immune systems to fight off disease. Today, I will be investigating a specific monoclonal antibody drug called infliximab.
Infliximab is used to treat many chronic inflammatory diseases. In response to inflammation, cells produce inflammatory cytokines to help regulate the immune response to infection. An example of such an inflammatory cytokine is called a Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha). TNF alpha normally helps the body fight off infection, however in those with autoimmune diseases, too much TNF alpha can cause a lot of pain. The drug infliximab inhibits the effects of TNF alpha to reduce the effects it may cause during inflammation.
Infliximab is used to treating inflammation of Crohn’s disease, different types of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis. Unfortunately, there are side effects to taking this monoclonal antibody drug.
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infects
- Cough
- Rash
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Weakness
- Fever
- Low or high blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Itching
- Chills
As you can see, there are a lot of side effects and many of them seem to be in relation that the drug is trying to treat. Infliximab has also been shown to reactivate tuberculosis, decrease white and red blood cell and platelet count, and put those at high risk at developing malignant lymphoma. What I find most bizarre is that taking this drug can make you susceptible to other infections. One should be tested before beginning treatment, and if they test positive, they should not take this drug. The blocking of the TNF alpha cytokine can interfere with the body’s innate and adaptive immune responses which can potentially reactivate Tuberculosis. Infliximab can decrease the immune system’s ability to fight off infections therefore negatively impacting the body’s innate and acquired immune response. A negative impact in the body’s immune response can cause serious reactions due to the presence of this monoclonal antibody. I believe that treatment using monoclonal antibodies is well worth it. Even though there can be side effects, monoclonal antibodies have shown to really help people fight off serious disease.
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