Tumor and bystander cell plasma membranes

Tumor and bystander cell plasma membranes refer to the biological lipid bilayers of malignant cells and the surrounding non-target cells within the tumor microenvironment. In pharmacology, specifically regarding antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), these membranes act as the primary barrier for the bystander effect. This process occurs when an ADC releases a lipophilic cytotoxic payload that can passively diffuse across the plasma membrane of the target cell and enter adjacent bystander cells, regardless of their antigen expression status (Staudacher & Brown, 2017). While this mechanism helps overcome tumor heterogeneity by killing cells that do not express the primary target, it also presents a risk of toxicity to healthy tissues (Beck et al., 2017). The plasma membrane's role is thus central to the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of drugs designed with membrane-permeable components. Beyond acting as a barrier, the plasma membrane also facilitates signal transduction and maintains the electrochemical gradients necessary for cell survival (Alberts et al., 2002).

Other names

Plasma membraneCell membraneCytoplasmic membraneLipid bilayerBystander cell membrane

Passive diffusion of membrane-permeable cytotoxic payloads across the lipid bilayer to induce death in neighboring cells (bystander effect).