Modulation of the Adaptive Immune System

The adaptive immune system is tasked with defending the body against specific foreign invaders and does so via T and B cell receptors present on the surfaces of T and B lymphocytes. These receptors develop as a result of recombination of gene segments, allowing for a variety of possible receptors that can recognize a wide range of possible antigens. Due to the complexity of the mechanisms involved in the development of the adaptive immune response, there are several possible pharmacological targets that are useful for suppression of the immune system in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or immune cell cancers. Some of these targets include inhibition of activation or inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Conversely, the adaptive immune system can also be stimulated in an effort to better produce an immune attack towards infectious diseases and certain types of cancers.