Checkpoint inhibitor
Antibody checkpoint release
- Lifts a brake instead of blocking a signal — the T cell is released, not stimulated
- Nivolumab and pembrolizumab block PD-1 from being engaged by PD-L1 and PD-L2
- Releasing the brake everywhere is why the toxicity is autoimmune: colitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis, hypophysitis
- Lifts a brake instead of blocking a signal — the T cell is released, not stimulated
- Nivolumab and pembrolizumab block PD-1 from being engaged by PD-L1 and PD-L2
- Releasing the brake everywhere is why the toxicity is autoimmune: colitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis, hypophysitis
Drugs with this mechanism (2)
- Nivolumab — PD-1 checkpoint antibody used across melanoma, lung, kidney, and other cancers.
- Pembrolizumab — PD-1 blocker; immune-related toxicity can hit any organ.
All mechanisms · Open Antibody checkpoint release in the interactive console ↗