Monoclonal Antibody Development Targeting IL-6R for Autoimmune Diseases

With fewer side effects and high targeting efficiency, monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs have been widely used in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases (ADs). Creative Biolabs has developed an experienced antibody discovery team and complete antibody production equipment to provide customers with high-quality mAb development services, such as mAb targeting IL-6R development for the research of ADs.

Introduction to Interleukin 6 (IL-6)

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a prototypical cytokine with redundant and pleiotropic activities. It contributes to host defense against infections and tissue injuries by inducing the acute-phase response and activating immune responses and hematopoiesis. However, excessive or continuous IL-6 production plays a pathological role in an acute severe life-threatening complication.

IL-6 and Autoimmune Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that results in chronic, progressive inflammatory disorders of the joints and surrounding tissues, often leading to irreversible joint damage and systemic complications. After many investigations, scientists found that high levels of IL-6 soluble form of the IL-6R (sIL-6R) complex in synovial fluids in patients with RA and juvenile RA are associated with joint destruction and disease progression. IL-6 deficiency resulted in complete protection against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and an anti-mouse IL-6R monoclonal antibody (mAb) can suppress the development of CIA.

Fig.1 IL-6 signaling pathways and their roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases. (Xin, 2014)

In another study, the researchers found IL-6 plays a role in systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in SSc, and peripheral leukocytes from SSc patients produce higher amounts of IL-6 and sIL-6R compared to healthy donors.

Monoclonal Antibody Development Targeting IL-6R

IL-6 blockade represents a novel therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases. There is an FDA-approved humanized antibody generated by grafting the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of a mouse anti-human IL-6R antibody into human IgG1κ. The inhibition of the IL-6 pathway by this antibody is a clinical breakthrough in the treatment of RA. This therapy has been proven to treat RA, systemic and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and Castleman’s disease effectively.

Custom Services of Monoclonal Antibody Development Targeting IL-6R

As a leading services provider in the antibody discovery field, Creative Biolabs is committed to providing overall solutions for mAb development. mAb can be prepared by traditional immune and fusion screening methods or by molecular biological methods, such as phage display, bacterial surface display, and ribosome display. The general workflow is target genes obtained by PCR, gene cloning, construction of expression vector, protein expression, and preparation of monoclonal antibodies. Our team has extensive experience in antigen preparation, antibody production, antibody characterization, and antibody sequencing. We are committed to providing high-quality antibody-associated services.

Creative Biolabs has rich experience in the preparation of monoclonal antibodies targeting conventional proteins, peptides, and small molecular compounds. We have many successful cases to help customers solve their problems. Also, we can customize special monoclonal antibody services to meet any special demands. We also have a mature technology platform for protein expression and peptide synthesis to provide a one-stop antibody preparation service for customers. To be our partner will be your wisest choice. If you are interested in our services, please contact us.

Reference

1. Xin, Yao.; et al. Targeting interleukin-6 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancers. Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2014,141(2).

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use