CTLA4hämmarna

CTLA-4 inhibitors, also known as CTLA4 blockers, are a class of immunomodulatory drugs that work by blocking the activity of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). CTLA-4 is a protein expressed on the surface of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to foreign invaders and abnormal cells.

Under normal circumstances, CTLA-4 acts as an immune checkpoint, essentially a brake on the immune system. It helps to prevent T cells from becoming overactive and attacking the body's own healthy tissues, a process known as autoimmunity. By binding to certain molecules on antigen-presenting cells, CTLA-4 reduces T cell activation and proliferation.

CTLA-4 inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, are designed to release this "brake." By blocking the interaction between CTLA-4 and its ligands, these drugs allow T cells to remain active for longer and mount a more robust immune response. This enhanced immune activity can be beneficial in targeting and destroying cancer cells, which often have mechanisms to evade immune detection.

These inhibitors have found significant application in the field of oncology, particularly in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer. They are considered a type of immunotherapy, harnessing the patient's own immune system to fight the disease. While effective, CTLA-4 inhibitors can also lead to immune-related adverse events due to the unleashed immune response potentially affecting healthy organs.