Human IL-6R Antibody Family
Human monoclonal antibody (mAb) isotypes against human IL-6R
Tocilizumab blocks IL-6R signaling
InvivoGen provides a family of anti-hIL-6R-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in multiple human isotypes.
They feature:
- the variable region of tocilizumab targeting the human interleukin 6 receptor (hIL-6R)
-
a constant region that mediates different effector functions depending on the isotype.
The effector functions of the human isotypes in this family include antibody‑dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC/ADCP) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). You may choose between:
— IgG1 for high effector functions
(Anti-hIL6R-hIgG1 is the biosimilar of the clinical antibody tocilizumab ),
— IgG1NQ for no effector functions
(engineered N-glycosylation mutated constant region).
— IgA2 for low effector functions
(low ADCC/ADCP, and no CDC)
InvivoGen's mAbs have been generated by recombinant DNA technology, produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and purified by affinity chromatography.
Key features of the Anti-hIL-6R isotype family
- Clinically-relevant variable region targeting human IL-6 receptor (varlilumab)
- Choice of different constant regions for high/low effector functions
- Functionally validated by flow cytometry and ELISA
- The absence of bacterial contamination has been confirmed
IL-6R background
Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against both soluble and membrane-bound human IL-6R. TCZ exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the binding of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6 to its receptor [1]. IL-6 exerts its biological effects through IL-6R, and the transmembrane protein gp130. Despite only a few cells expressing IL-6R on their surface, many cells respond to IL-6 due to the existence of soluble IL-6R [2]. TCZ can block both modes of signaling [1]. TCZ has been approved for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a side effect of CAR-T therapy. Furthermore, it is under investigation for the treatment of the late-stage hyperinflammation observed in severe COVID‑19 patients [3].
COVID-19 related research
Severe COVID-19 patients have been shown to exhibit high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, which can ultimately initiate life-threatening hyper-inflammation and a “cytokine storm” in the lungs and other organs. Tocilizumab is being explored as a potential therapeutic in the treatment of these patients.
Read our reviews on COVID-19 and learn more about SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle, immune responses, and potential therapeutics.
InvivoGen’s products are for research use only, and not for clinical or veterinary use.
References
1. Sheppard, M. et al. 2017. Tocilizumab (Actemra). Hum Vaccin Immunother 13, 1972- 1988.
2. Rose-John, S. 2012. IL-6 trans-signaling via the soluble IL-6 receptor: importance for the pro-inflammatory activities of IL-6. Int J Biol Sci 8, 1237-1247.
3. Zhang, S. et al. 2020. Rational Use of Tocilizumab in the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia. Clin Drug Investig.