Nivolumab’s mechanism of action

Nivolumab (Nivolumab) is a human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing the suppression of immune responses mediated by the PD-1 pathway, including anti-tumor immune responses. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth. Combined inhibition mediated by nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) resulted in enhanced T cell function that was greater than the effect of either antibody alone and led to improved anti-tumor responses in metastatic melanoma and advanced RCC. In murine syngeneic tumor models, dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4 resulted in increased antitumor activity.