Final answer:
Monoclonal antibody therapy for melanoma and neural tumors often targets specific cell surface proteins such as HER2 in breast cancer, which is targeted by the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Step-by-step explanation:
Monoclonal antibody therapy for melanoma and neural tumors often targets specific proteins overexpressed on the surface of the cancer cells. One such protein is the HER2, a cell surface receptor that can be present in excessive amounts on the surface of 20 percent of breast cancer cells. The monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets HER2 for removal by the immune system. Similarly, melanoma therapies may involve targeting proteins like pmel17, which is recognized by dendritic cells and directs anti-melanoma T cell responses.
Monoclonal antibodies are engineered for high specificity and affinity to their targets, making them a preferred choice in targeted cancer therapy. They function through several mechanisms, including blocking the activity of target molecules, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and modulation of cellular signaling pathways related to cancer proliferation. Moreover, the development of antibody fragments like Fab fragments, scFv, minibodies, diabodies, and nanobodies offers additional goals for targeted therapies, reducing molecular size and immunogenicity while maintaining targeting specificity.