Antibody-based drugs might be improved by activating immune system with IL-12

Possible adjunct to Herceptin

RB


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0106002837.htm


ABSTRACT

“The findings suggest that using trastuzumab and the IL-12 together makes the body think an infection is under way, and this activates cells of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells in the same way they would eliminate an infection,” says Roda.

The investigators found that the combination of antibody-coated cells and IL-2 or IL-12 causes the NK cells to release substances that attract more potent immune cells – mainly killer T cells – thereby trigging a larger and more effective immune response against the tumor.

“Trastuzumab was not designed to mimic an infectious condition, but we think that's exactly what is happening,” Roda says.