Tocilizumab-derived Anti-hIL-6R mAbs

InvivoGen provides a family of Anti-hIL6R-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in multiple human isotypes.

These mAbs feature:

• the variable region of Tocilizumab, which specifically targets the human interleukin-6 receptor (hIL6R)
• a constant region that mediates different effector functions depending on the isotype: hIgG1, hIgG1NQ or IgA2

InvivoGen's hIL6R mAbs have been generated by recombinant DNA technology, produced in CHO cells, and purified by affinity chromatography.

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].

Key features of the Anti-hIL6R isotype family:

• Clinically-relevant variable region targeting human IL-6R (Tocilizumab).
• Inhibition of IL-6-dependent signaling by Anti-hIL6R-To mAbs has been validated in HEK-Blue™ IL-6 cellular assays.
• The absence of bacterial contamination has been confirmed.

InvivoGen’s products are for research use only, and not for clinical or veterinary use.

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.

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.