Microbiology · MU Sofia

46. Immuno-prophylaxis and immunotherapy, Immune sera and other antibody-containing preparations and Immunomodulators

Covers immuno-prophylaxis through active and passive immunisation, then immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, cytokines and checkpoint inhibitors. Next it lists immune sera by type, such as antitoxic, antibacterial, antiviral and hyperimmune globulins, with examples and how monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma technology. It ends with immunomodulators, divided into immunosuppressants, immunoadjuvants and immunostimulants, with a summary outline and a picture.

Inside: 4 sections · 1 labelled picture · 14 flashcards · 4 min

Topic 46 of 113 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Microbiology (Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 4 sections, about 590 words (4 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Immuno-prophylaxis and immunotherapy, Immune sera and other antibody-containing preparations and Immunomodulators
  2. Immuno-prophylaxis and Immunotherapy
  3. Immune Sera and Other Antibody-Containing Preparations
  4. Immunomodulators

Immuno-prophylaxis and Immunotherapy

  • Immuno-prophylaxis is the prevention of infections through vaccines or passive immunity (e.g., immune sera). It involves Active Immunization (using vaccines to stimulate the immune system) and Passive Immunization (providing protection via antibodies like immune sera).
  • Immunotherapy is treatment using immunological agents to treat diseases. These agents include monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is also defined as a form of cancer treatment that boosts the immune system to fight cancer. Mechanisms can include injecting monoclonal antibodies, interferon (like interferon alpha), or interleukins (like IL-2).

Immune Sera and Other Antibody-Containing Preparations

  • Immune Sera are preparations containing antibodies used for passive immunity. They are derived from the blood of immunized animals or humans. Passive immunization provides rapid, temporary protection or treatment. The antibodies block the actions of an infectious agent or an immune response. This method works quickly but does not last long as the antibodies are naturally broken down and there are no B cells to produce more.
  • Types of Immune Sera and Antibody-Containing Preparations:
  • Antitoxic Sera: Used for neutralizing bacterial toxins (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus).
  • Antibacterial Sera: Used for neutralizing bacteria (e.g., anthrax, plague).
  • Antiviral Sera: Used for neutralizing viruses (e.g., rabies).
  • Gamma Globulins: Broad-spectrum antibody preparations for various infections.
  • Hyperimmune sera or hyperimmune globulin: Basically blood plasma with high titers of antibody against a specific organism or antigen. It is an example of passive immunity. Available hyperimmune globulins include those for Hep B, rabies, and tetanus. It may be effective therapy in Ebola virus infection. Hyperimmune globulin is prepared from the plasma of donors with high titers of antibodies against a specific organism or antigen.
  • Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Specific antibodies used for treating infections and cancers. They are laboratory-made antibodies designed to

target specific pathogens or tumor markers. Examples include treatments for COVID-19 and cancer immunotherapies (e.g., rituximab for lymphoma, pembrolizumab). mAbs are produced by hybridoma technology, where B-cells are fused with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas that generate large quantities of the desired antibody. They recognize a single specific epitope of an antigen. mAbs are used to treat many diseases, including some types of cancer.

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