Monoclonal Antibodies Explained Through Humira

Humira (Adalimumab) is one of many monoclonal antibody treatments that have been developed for treating specific diseases. Monoclonal antibodies are targeted by taking a specific B cell (part of the immune system) and isolating it so the receptors of only that particular cell that code for what the disease is are activated. Breaking down monoclonal antibodies even more, scientists isolate that particular B cell that codes for the antigen they want to focus on, then combine it with an inactive malignant (cancer) cell. These two cells bind when an enzyme is present, creating new cells that clonally expand and code for the specific antigen they are targeting. We’re going to discuss the drug, Humira, today in relation to monoclonal antibody medicine.

For more detailed information regarding Humira reference their website (hyperlinked above) or read about it on MedNet by clicking the hyperlink. I will condense all the information here too. Humira aids in a variety of different diseases from rheumatoid arthritis, to multiple sclerosis, to Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis, among others. How this drug works is it targets and binds to TNF. TNF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that basically is the cause of all inflammations in your body and is part of the adaptive immune response. Humira works to suppress TNF, particularly in joints, to reduce the inflammation that is a typical symptom of these diseases. Unfortunately such a wonderful drug does not come without it’s side effects, and there are A LOT.

The main concern, at least I think so, is the susceptibility to other infections. Because Humira blocks the TNF receptors, an important part in alerting the body of serious infection, patients are more at risk of developing life threatening diseases such as Tuberculosis, Sepsis, and Fungal infections. There is also an unknown link to cancer and is not proven safe for pregnant women. But wait… there’s more! There is also an increased risk of getting Hepatitis B, anaphylaxis, or aplastic anemia. Given that you successfully avoid all of these horrible, horrible diseases, the symptoms of Humira are relatively mild. They include:

• rash
• nausea and stomach pain
• headache

So… not too bad right? Like any medicine, it is important to talk to your doctor and make sure that you may benefit from this medicine. Obviously, it is not for everyone and the risks are something that should be taken into account.