Biologic
RCSB PDB 5DK3
Pembrolizumab
Keytruda
- Mechanism of action
- PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (mAb)
- In plain language
- A lab-made antibody that attaches to the PD-1 protein on immune cells, blocking a signal cancer cells use to hide, so the immune system can recognize and attack the tumor.
- How it works
- Pembrolizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds with high specificity to the PD-1 receptor on T cells. This binding blocks PD-1 from interacting with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which tumor cells often exploit to suppress T-cell activity. By interrupting this checkpoint interaction, pembrolizumab restores T-cell proliferation and cytotoxic function that had been dampened within the tumor microenvironment. The result is renewed immune-mediated recognition and destruction of cancer cells, rather than any direct cytotoxic action on the tumor itself.
- Therapeutic applications
- Pembrolizumab carries FDA approvals across a broad range of malignancies, reflecting its role as a pan-tumor checkpoint inhibitor. Representative major indications include melanoma (unresectable/metastatic and adjuvant), non-small cell lung cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial (bladder) cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and MSI-H/dMMR or TMB-H solid tumors including colorectal cancer, in addition to numerous other tumor types such as gastric, cervical, hepatocellular, renal cell, and endometrial cancers.
- Class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Immuno-oncology
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