Harnessing the Power of the Immune System
Immunotherapy is a breakthrough approach in treating diseases by boosting or modifying the body's natural defense mechanisms. It's proving effective against cancer, allergies, and even infectious diseases!
Types of Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs help T cells recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
- Cancer Vaccines: Designed to prevent cancer by initiating an immune response against cancer-associated antigens.
- Cytokines: These proteins are used to refine the immune response in fighting diseases.
Benefits and Challenges
Immunotherapy offers a targeted way to combat diseases with potentially fewer side effects than traditional treatments. However, its efficacy varies between individuals and conditions, posing a challenge that researchers are passionately tackling.