Biologic
RCSB PDB 5WT9
Nivolumab
Opdivo
- Mechanism of action
- PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (mAb)
- In plain language
- A lab-made antibody that attaches to the PD-1 brake on immune T-cells, releasing that brake so the immune system can recognize and attack cancer cells.
- How it works
- Nivolumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) on activated T-cells, blocking its interaction with the ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Tumors frequently exploit this PD-1/PD-L1 axis to suppress antitumor T-cell responses; by interrupting this inhibitory signal, nivolumab restores T-cell proliferation and cytokine production directed against malignant cells. It is often paired with the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab for a complementary checkpoint blockade.
- Therapeutic applications
- FDA-approved across a wide range of solid tumors and classical Hodgkin lymphoma, used as monotherapy or in combination with ipilimumab, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and head and neck cancers.
- Class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Immuno-oncology
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