Monoclonal antibodies are surely shaping up to be the future of helping to treat autoimmune disorders. These are man-made antibodies that are created by injecting human DNA into mice in order to create the desired antibody against an antigen. These monoclonal antibodies bind to one type of antigen and are made from cloned immune cells. By doing so, we can then control the antibody response that the body creates, and stop the body from attacking its own tissues. This can also help enhance the immune response of the body to cancerous tissue as well.
One drug currently approved by the FDA is adalimumab which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body targets connective tissue. It is also used for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis. For the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it does this by inhibiting the progression of structural damage so that the body doesn’t continue destroying connective tissue. It also helps improve physical function in adults. This is done by blocking the inflammatory effects of TNF alpha, which usually promotes inflammation. It binds to TNF alpha to inhibit its effects so that the joints will not be destroyed.
However, there are a number of side effects of this drug. They include headache, rash, nausea, upset stomach, hypersensitivity reactions, and aplastic anemia. The site of injection may have swelling, redness, pain, and itching. It also has serious implications such as association with tuberculosis, sepsis, and fungal infections due to the blocking of TNF. Some studies have shown those using TNF developing cancer, and it can increase risk of reactivation of hepatitis B. In addition, it can worsen nervous diseases, and should never be used during an active infection. Since it suppresses the immune system, it can worsen other infections and make you more susceptible to illness. It is the acquired immune system being impacted as the TNF is no longer able to do its job in a normal infection. However, it can stop the joints from deteriorating, which is extremely painful, thus should be used but with caution in mind.
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