anti-CTLA-4 antibodies

Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies are a type of immunotherapy that helps the immune system fight cancer. CTLA-4 is a protein on immune cells that naturally downregulates immune responses, acting as a brake to prevent overactivation. Some cancers exploit this by increasing CTLA-4 activity to escape immune attack. Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies block this protein, releasing the brakes and allowing immune cells, like T cells, to become more active and attack cancer cells more effectively. They are used particularly in treating certain cancers, such as melanoma, to enhance the body's ability to recognize and destroy tumors.