Safety assessment of immunomodulatory biologics: the promise and challenges of regulatory T-cell modulation

J Immunotoxicol. 2011 Oct-Dec;8(4):389-97. doi: 10.3109/1547691X.2011.603390. Epub 2011 Sep 14.

Abstract

Regulatory T-cell (T(reg)) modulation is developing as an important therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of a number of important diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, infection, and organ transplant rejection. However, as demonstrated with IL-2 and TGN-1412, our understanding of the complex immunological interactions that occur with T(reg) modulation in both non-clinical models and in patients remains limited and appears highly contextual. This lack of understanding will challenge our ability to identify the patient population who might derive the highest benefit from T(reg) modulation and creates special challenges as we transition these therapeutics from non-clinical models into humans. Thus, in vivo testing in the most representative animal model systems, with careful progress in the clinic, will remain critical in developing therapeutics targeting T(reg) and understanding their clinical utility. Moreover, toxicology models can inform some of the potential liabilities associated with T(reg) modulation, but not all, suggesting a continued need to explore and validate predictive models.

Publication types

  • Congress

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Biological Products / adverse effects*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • Interleukin-2 / adverse effects
  • Risk Assessment
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukin-2
  • TGN-1412