How do monoclonal antibodies (MABs) work?

The mechanisms associated with mAbs include: direct cell toxicity, vascular disruption, immune-mediated cell toxicity, and regulation of the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies work by recognizing and finding specific proteins on cancer cells or target proteins on cells of the immune systems. Each mAb recognizes one particular protein and functions in different ways depending on the specific protein it is targeting. Some mAbs block the signals for cancer cells to divide, or block the receptor itself. For example, angiogenic drugs block VEGF from attaching to the receptors on endothelial cells. Some mAbs have drugs or radioactive agents attached to them. The mAB then finds the cancer cells and delivers the drug or radioactive agent directly to them. These are known as conjugated mAbs. Some mAbs can also be designed to target checkpoint proteins, as cancer cells sometimes find a way to use checkpoints and avoid being attacked by the immune system.These drugs are known as checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors don’t kill cells directly, rather, they work by helping the immune system to better find and attack the cancer cells.