Clear and consise explanation

A board to discuss the soon-to-be released drug Campath as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
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CureOrBust
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Clear and consise explanation

Post by CureOrBust »

I know most has been cover over and over, but I found the following, and it seems to cover most points regarding Campath's method of action, in a clear and concise mannor. Its not for MS specifically, but its the same compound being used.
Alemtuzumab
Pharmacology and use:

Campath is used to treat leukemia by exploiting antibody mediated lysis of CD52 presenting cells. The CD52 antigen is a cell surface protein found on essentially all B and T lymphocytes, a majority of monocytes, macrophages and most granulocytes. The CD52 antigen is not present on erythrocytes or hematopoetic stem cells. In leukemia there is an excess of B and T cells, so Campath permits selective reduction of lymphocyte populations. For treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Mechanism Of Action:
Campath binds to the CD52 antigen present on most B and T lymphocytes. This binding leads to antibody-dependent lysis of leukemic cells.
SOURCE

I haven't checked the validity of the above information, but I was surprised by the part that says "CD52 antigen present on most B and T lymphocytes" and before that it says "found on essentially all B and T lymphocytes". I would be interested to know a number here?

Now, the other question which wasn't covered by the above, or explicitly in anything I can remember, is how long after treatment, Campath continues to kill these lymphocytes? Is it a life long effect?
Lyon
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Re: Clear and consise explanation

Post by Lyon »

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Last edited by Lyon on Sun Nov 27, 2011 11:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
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CureOrBust
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Re: Clear and consise explanation

Post by CureOrBust »

Lyon wrote:In regards to long term suppression you...
You confused me here Lyon, as to why you started to talk about "suppression"?
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