Bioguider

  Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections. It works in two main ways: by boosting the immune system’s natural activity or by giving lab-made substances that help the immune system find and destroy abnormal cells. Examples include immune checkpoint inhibitors, which remove the “brakes” that stop immune cells from attacking cancer, and cellular therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, where a patient’s immune cells are modified to specifically target and kill cancer cells. How Immunotherapy Works Strengthening the Immune Response: It boosts the body’s natural immune cells, like T cells, so they can better recognize and attack cancer cells that might otherwise escape detection. Blocking Immune Evasion: Some cancer cells use special signals to “hide” from the immune system. Immunotherapy blocks these signals, allowing immune cells to find and destroy the cancer. Providing Immune Compone...

  Pro-inflammatory" refers to substances that trigger or enhance inflammation, the body’s natural response to infection or injury. These include molecules such as cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-1β) and prostaglandins, which signal and activate immune cells to combat pathogens and support tissue repair. Although crucial for immediate defense, sustained or excessive pro-inflammatory activity can contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Examples of Pro-inflammatory Substances Cytokines: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Lipid Mediators: Prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are produced at the site of injury to promote inflammation. When Pro-inflammatory Responses Become Harmful Chronic Inflammation: If the inflammatory response lasts too long or stays overactive, it can cause chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Tissue Damage: Instead of only targeting harmful ...