Abstract
Traditionally, treatment of human diseases is carried out by small molecular
weight pharmaceuticals or large biotherapeutic molecules that modulate the
biology of specific cell types. In many cases, such as with cancer, the aim of
the treatment is to kill targeted cells, leading to the physiological benefit
for the patient. In other circumstances, the targeted cells are modulated by a
drug to perform a specific function that they normally do not. A variety of
molecules have been utilized as therapeutic agents. These include:
- Small molecules
- Peptides
- Proteins
- Antibodies
- Anti-sense RNAs
- Ribozymes
In the case of cell therapy, as the name implies, treatment is carried out
using cells instead of therapeutic molecules. In cell therapy, cells are given
to the patient to achieve a therapeutic benefit.
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