Anti-IL-13 Antibody (Tralokinumab)

This anti-IL-13 (interleukin 13) antibody is a purified, recombinant human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that recognizes human IL-13. This antibody is similar to Tralokinumab. Tralokinumab is commercially available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). The transcription factor STAT6 (signal transduced and activator of transcription factor 6) plays a vitally important role in immune cells. IL-4-activated STAT6 signaling is required for Th2 differentiation and immunoglobulin class switching and it also mediates direct repression of inflammatory enhancers in macrophages. STAT6 is involved in several aspects of allergic inflammatory disease, like airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic infiltration, and mast cells responses. STAT6 is activated primarily by IL-4 and the related IL-13, with have overlapping biologic profiles. Upon IL-4 and IL-13 binding, the receptor complex composed of IL-4Ralpha and IL-13Ralpha1 activates the receptor-associated Janus kinases (JAK1 and Tyk2), leading to the activation of STAT6. Activated STAT6 forms homodimers that translocate to the nucleus where they bind the promoter of responsive genes, inducing gene transcription. While both cytokines activate STAT6 signal, it has been proven that IL-4 is more potent in engaging this signaling pathway than IL-13. Dysfunction of the STAT6 pathway leads to allergic reactions (asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies) and cancer (Hodgkin, central nervous system, and follicular lymphoma). STAT6 can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Inhibitors have been shown to reduce acute inflammation in animal models, and future developments may lead to new therapeutical tools for STAT6 related pathologies. Tralokinumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13, is commercially available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema).