Pharmacodynamics and Chemistry
T cells recognise antigens primarily via the T cell receptor. This receptor needs various co-receptors to function, one of which is CD3. The T cell receptor-CD3 complex transduces the signal for the T cell to proliferate and attack the antigen.
Muromonab-CD3 is a murine (mouse) monoclonal IgG2a antibody which was created using hybridoma technology. It binds to the T cell receptor-CD3-complex (specifically the CD3 epsilon chain) on the surface of circulating T cells, initially leading to an activation, but subsequently inducing blockage and apoptosis of the T cells. This protects the transplant against the T cells. After application of muromonab-CD3, normal T cell function is said to be restored within a week. When administered for transplant induction, the drug is administered daily thereafter for up to 7 days.
Newer monoclonal antibodies with the same mechanism of action include otelixizumab, teplizumab and visilizumab. They are being investigated for the treatment of other conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and type 1 diabetes.
Read more about this topic: OKT3
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