Immune checkpoints
Q. What are Immune checkpoints?- Published on 03 May 16a. They are points where infection can be stopped
b. They prevent the over-activation of the immune system on healthy cells
c. They store virus fighting cells
d. They are points where when vaccinations are given, they are most effective
ANSWER: They prevent the over-activation of the immune system on healthy cells
- Immune checkpoints are immunological "brakes" that prevent the over-activation of the immune system on healthy cells.
- Tumour cells often take advantage of these checkpoints to escape detection of the immune system.
- Several FDA-approved drugs that target checkpoints, called checkpoint inhibitors, are now available to treat certain cancers.
