Vastaaineterapia

Vastaaineterapia, also known as antibody therapy or immunotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses antibodies to target and fight diseases. Antibodies are proteins naturally produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. In therapeutic applications, antibodies are either produced in a laboratory or are humanized versions of animal antibodies, designed to specifically bind to certain molecules or cells involved in a disease process.

The primary mechanism of action for vastaaineterapia involves antibodies attaching to their targets. This binding can trigger various responses. For instance, antibodies can block the function of disease-causing agents, such as preventing a virus from entering a cell. They can also mark diseased cells, like cancer cells or infected cells, for destruction by other parts of the immune system. In some cases, antibodies can directly activate immune cells to attack the target.

Vastaaineterapia has found significant applications in the treatment of various conditions, most notably cancers and autoimmune diseases. For cancer treatment, antibodies can target specific proteins on cancer cells, inhibiting their growth or signaling the immune system to eliminate them. In autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, antibodies can be designed to block the inflammatory pathways or target the specific immune cells responsible for the attack. The development of biologics has greatly expanded the scope and efficacy of vastaaineterapia, offering new hope for patients with previously untreatable conditions. While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects can occur, often related to the immune system's response to the therapy.