Lymphomas

Cancerous cells of lymphatic tissues are referred as Lymphomas. Tumor cells originate from lymphocytes. Two major types of lymphomas are

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma: This was named by the English physician  Thomas Hodgkin in the year 1832. Lymphomas are treated with the help of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and combination of two therapies. Wide spectrum of side effects like nausea, blood pressure and breathing difficulty develops when an individual undergoes cancer treatment. If a tumor cell consists of antigen, then it becomes so prominent for more infection. Cancerous antigen cell becomes an ideal target of immune attack.

Development of anti tumor antibody

Specific cell lining of B lymphocytes includes B cell hallmark, membrane bound protein (CD 20) and immunoglobulin. CD 20 is found over the B lymphomas. It is immunotherapy which is mediated by antibody. It is no where involved in down regulation of protein. Years before monoclonal antibodies of CD 20 was obtained from mouse, treatment of lymphomas with anti CD 20 antibody is referred as anti B cell lymphoma immunotherapy. It can replace the cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Anti CD 20 consists of gamma heavy chains and kappa light chains. The DNA sequential chains are amplified with the help of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Outcome of amplifying that is Chimeric genes are inserted in to vector in order to study the expression of cells. Chimeric antibodies with CDR are developed when they are infected. It is then purified and used as primate model for lymphomas examination.

The results of chimeric antibodies laid a hope that lymphomas can be controlled. When these are injected, B cells do not grow anymore. It is obvious when Chimeric antibodies are withdrawn, B cell proliferation commences again. This proved anti CD 20 antibody is effective in controlling B cell proliferation. Anti B cell lymphoma immunotherapy combines the application of immunology and molecular biology research. This helps in engineering novel therapeutic agents like protein.