How tremelimumab works

Tremelimumab (tremelimumab) is an antibody that attaches to a molecule called CTLA-4, which is found on the surface of T cells, the main immune cells involved in killing cancer cells. It is suitable for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and the combination treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genomic tumor abnormalities,

T cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on T cells bind to relevant antigens processed and presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs). This interaction generates TCR signals to activate T cells. In addition to TCR signals, optimal T cell activation requires a costimulatory signal, which is generated when CD80 and CD86 expressed on the surface of APCs bind to receptors expressed on T cells. 1 CD80 and CD86 are also collectively known as B7 molecules. In response to these signals, activated T cells can further differentiate into specific T cell subtypes with specific functions.

Immune checkpoints are proteins that controlthe intensity and duration of T cell activation and response. CD28 and CTLA-4 are cognate receptors expressed on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These immune checkpoints have opposite regulatory functions on T cell activity: CD28 is a positive regulator of T cell activity, while CTLA-4 is a negative regulator that inhibits T cell activation and proliferation as well as IL-2 gene transcription. The B7 molecule acts as a ligand for both receptors, and the balance between CD28 and CTLA-4 expression and signaling affects the extent of T cell activation. In cancer immunotherapy, CTLA-4 has been studied as a therapeutic target because blocking this receptor can enhance the activation of tumor-specific T cells, causing them to have a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.

Bindsto CTLA-4 molecules on T cells, blocking the interaction between CTLA-4 and CD80/CD86, and allowing CD28 molecules on T cells to continue interacting with CD80/CD86 to fully activate T cells, which is needed to attack cancer. Once T cells are fully activated, they multiply, forming a powerful army of T cells that can hunt down cancer cells throughout the body and kill them wherever they are found. In cancer, the interaction between CTLA-4 and CD80/CD86 can prevent T cells from being activated enough to kill cancer cells.

Tesetumumab is an emerging cancer immunotherapy drug. It is a prescription drug and has not yet been launched in China. Therefore, it has not been included in the medical insurance list. Domestic patients cannot yet purchase this drug. The U.S. version of temsitumumab the original drug has been on the market overseas for a short time and is sold under the trade name Imjudo. The price is not yet clear, and there are currently no generic versions of temsitumumab produced and launched. For specific prices and drug details, please consult a medical consultant.