Humira is a commonly used monoclonal antibody drug that is used to treat autoimmune disorders like rhuematoid arthritis. Monoclonal antibodies (MAB) serve as a type of immunotherapy that acts as an synthetic immune system. Essentially, they bind to antigens that promote a certain immune response like extreme inflammation. Humira, in particular, inhibits inflammation and structural damage that autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis cause. The purpose of the drug is to alleviate any symptoms and prevent further damage. As a result, patients potentially would improve their quality of life.
According to the Humira website, the drug targets TNF, a type of cytokine that induces inflammation. As a result, inflammation and other signs and symptoms will be potentially eliminated. However, this causes several side effects. This includes, serious infections, liver problems, blood problems, and heart failure. In addition, this drug also makes a person more sucesptible to TB infections because TNF is an important cytokine used when fighting off TB. Therefore, if a person tests positive for TB or lives close to a person with TB, they should consider other treatment options.
Since Humira targets TNF, an important cytokine in response to inflammation, it can negatively affect different aspects of the immune response. Therefore, other parts of the immune system could be negatively affected in the prescence of this monoclonal antibody. I think MABs are a fascinating approach to treating complicated diseases like autoimmunity and cancer. However, I think it’s important to know the risks and benefits before considering them, since they can have nasty side effects. Overall, these drugs are super cool and I think that they can sigificantly improve complex diseases.
Grace's Microbiology Blog 