A key function of the immune system is the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal cells. When abnormal cells can be identified, the immune system destroys them while leaving normal cells intact. Immune checkpoint markers are responsible for this identification process. They are cell surface proteins on T-cells that can bind homologous receptor proteins on other cells, such as an antigen-presenting cell (APC). Activation of the immune checkpoint pathways results in either immune suppression or stimulation and plays a vital role in regulating the function of the immune system.
Tumor cells adapt by learning to exploit checkpoint mechanisms to escape cell death by presenting cell surface proteins that are recognized as normal, even though the cell is abnormal and should be eliminated by the immune system. Antibodies and other drugs have been developed to modulate these immune checkpoints and allow for the restoration of anti-tumor activity by the immune system.
Leinco offers a wide range of the highest quality immune checkpoint modulating antibodies for use in mouse models.
