Dysregulated immune cells

Dysregulated immune cells refer to a broad category of immune system components, including T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells, that exhibit abnormal activity, proliferation, or signaling patterns. This state is a fundamental driver of various pathologies, such as autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, and cancer, where immune cells may be suppressed or exhausted (Source: NIH, PubMed). Because this term describes a physiological or pathological state rather than a specific molecular entity, it is not classified as a single therapeutic target in drug discovery. Instead, drug development focuses on specific receptors, enzymes, or cytokines that mediate this dysregulation, such as Janus kinases or programmed cell death protein 1. Targeting these specific pathways aims to restore immune homeostasis or enhance the body's ability to eliminate malignant cells. Consequently, while these cells are the focus of clinical intervention, the term itself represents a complex cellular environment rather than a discrete, canonical drug target.

Other names

Pathogenic immune cellsAberrant immune cellsActivated leukocytesAutoreactive lymphocytesExhausted T cells

Immunomodulation, immunosuppression, checkpoint inhibition, or targeted cell depletion depending on the specific molecular pathway addressed within the cell population.