T-cell depleting antibodies

T-cell depleting antibodies

T-cell depleting antibodies

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Mechanism of Action - T-Cell Takedown

  • Polyclonal (e.g., Antithymocyte Globulin) and monoclonal (e.g., Alemtuzumab) antibodies bind to a variety of antigens on the T-cell surface.
  • This tagging marks the T-cell for destruction through:
    • Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC): The antibody activates the complement system, leading to cell lysis.
    • Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC): NK cells and phagocytes recognize the antibody and destroy the T-cell.
  • Alemtuzumab specifically targets the CD52 antigen.

T-cell depletion by therapeutic antibodies

⭐ First-dose reactions, like Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), can be severe. This is due to the initial massive activation and lysis of T-cells, releasing a flood of inflammatory cytokines.

Polyclonal Antibodies - The Broadside

  • Agents: Anti-thymocyte Globulin (ATG) derived from horse or rabbit serum.
  • Mechanism: A "broadside" attack. Binds to a wide array of T-cell surface antigens (CD2, CD3, CD4, etc.), triggering complement-dependent lysis and clearance by phagocytes. Causes profound T-cell depletion.
  • Clinical Use:
    • Induction therapy for preventing rejection in solid organ transplants (especially kidney).
    • Treatment of severe, steroid-resistant acute rejection.
  • Adverse Effects:
    • ⚠️ Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): Systemic inflammation (fever, rigors, hypotension) after the first dose due to massive cytokine release from lysed T-cells.
    • Serum Sickness: Type III hypersensitivity (fever, rash, arthralgia) days to weeks later.
    • Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
    • Increased risk of infection (CMV) & PTLD.

High-Yield: To manage expected Cytokine Release Syndrome, pre-medicate patients with corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and antihistamines before the first ATG infusion.

Monoclonal Antibodies - The CD52 Sniper

  • Alemtuzumab: A humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD52 antigen.

    • Mechanism: Binds to CD52 on T-cells, B-cells, NK cells, monocytes, and macrophages. This triggers complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
    • Effect: Causes rapid, profound, and long-lasting depletion of lymphocytes.
  • Primary Uses:

    • Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
    • Formerly used in transplant rejection.
  • Major Adverse Effects:

    • Pancytopenia: Especially severe lymphopenia, requiring prophylaxis against opportunistic infections (e.g., PJP, Herpesviruses).
    • Infusion Reactions: Pre-medication is necessary.
    • Secondary Autoimmunity: Thyroid disease, ITP, nephropathies.

High-Yield: A major long-term complication is the development of secondary autoimmune diseases (e.g., Graves' disease, ITP), which can occur in up to 50% of patients months to years after treatment.

Alemtuzumab Cytotoxic Mechanisms

📌 Mnemonic: Alemtuzumab causes elemination of CD52 cells.

Adverse Effects - The Aftermath

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS):
    • Systemic inflammation from rapid T-cell lysis.
    • Presents with fever, chills, rigors, headache, hypotension.
    • ⚠️ Most severe with the first dose.
  • Increased Infection Risk:
    • High risk for opportunistic infections.
    • Key pathogens: CMV, PJP, BK virus.
    • Requires prophylactic antimicrobial therapy.
  • Malignancy:
    • Increased risk of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), usually EBV-driven.
    • Skin cancers.
  • Drug-Specific:
    • Alemtuzumab: Pancytopenia, autoimmune thyroiditis.

⭐ Muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) is notorious for causing a severe, potentially fatal CRS after the first dose, often called the "first-dose reaction."

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Alemtuzumab targets CD52 on most lymphocytes, used for MS and CLL; causes profound, prolonged lymphopenia.
  • Muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) is a murine antibody against the T-cell CD3 receptor, causing rapid T-cell depletion.
  • First dose of Muromonab often causes a severe cytokine release syndrome.
  • Basiliximab and daclizumab are monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-2 receptor (CD25).
  • Primarily used for prophylaxis of acute rejection in renal transplantation.
  • Major risks for all include increased susceptibility to infection and malignancy.

Practice Questions: T-cell depleting antibodies

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 34-year-old female medical professional who works for a non-governmental organization visits her primary care provider for a routine health check-up. She made a recent trip to Sub-Saharan Africa where she participated in a humanitarian medical project. Her medical history and physical examination are unremarkable. A chest radiograph and a tuberculin skin test (PPD) are ordered. The chest radiograph is performed at the side and the PPD reaction measures 12 mm after 72 hours. Which of the following mechanisms is involved in the skin test reaction?

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Flashcards: T-cell depleting antibodies

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Glucocorticoids are useful for _____ therapy (e.g. transplant rejection prevention, treatment of autoimmune disorders)

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Glucocorticoids are useful for _____ therapy (e.g. transplant rejection prevention, treatment of autoimmune disorders)

immunosuppressive

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