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Focusing on the IL-17 Target: The "Golden Track" of Autoimmune Drug R&D and Essential Tool Models

In recent years, with the deepening of immunological research, Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has emerged as a pivotal target for treating autoimmune diseases, consistently demonstrating immense clinical value and market potential. Following the successful launch of several blockbuster drugs and the continuous expansion of new indications, IL-17 has become a "Golden Track" for pharmaceutical competition.

To empower drug R&D in this field, ReqBioBio has leveraged cutting-edge technology to develop a series of IL-17 family cell models, providing robust tool support for early-stage mechanism of action (MoA) studies and drug screening.

 

I. IL-17: More Than a Pro-inflammatory Cytokine, a Multifunctional Immune Regulator

The IL-17 family currently comprises six members (IL-17A to IL-17F; IL-17E is also known as IL-25) and five receptors. As the family's archetype, IL-17A has gained significant attention for its core driving role in diseases like psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, recent studies indicate that IL-17’s function is far more complex than simple "pro-inflammation"; it also plays a vital role in injury response, physiological stress, and maintaining tissue homeostasis.

IL-17 Signaling Pathway Overview:

IL-17 initiates signal transduction primarily by binding to corresponding receptor complexes (e.g., IL-17RA/IL-17RC). This process involves the activation of Act1 and TRAF family proteins (such as TRAF6), which in turn triggers downstream NF-κB, MAPK, and C/EBP signaling pathways. This ultimately induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-8) and chemokines, recruiting neutrophils and leading to local inflammation. Modulating this pathway is now a central strategy for treating various autoimmune disorders.

 

II. A Competitive Landscape: IL-17 Drug Pipeline and Market Outlook

Due to its proven efficacy, the IL-17 target has become a hub for "Blockbuster" drugs in the autoimmune sector.

Marketed Drugs: Six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the IL-17 family are currently approved worldwide. Novartis’s Secukinumab, the world’s first IL-17A inhibitor, surpassed $4 billion in sales by 2020. Other key players include Eli Lilly’s Ixekizumab, Amgen’s Brodalumab, and UCB’s Bimekizumab (targeting IL-17A/F).

Indication Expansion: Beyond psoriasis and AS, IL-17 therapies are aggressively expanding into Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and other broader immune-mediated conditions.

R&D Pipeline: Innovation is accelerating. Over 20 drug candidates are currently in clinical stages, diversifying from mAbs to bispecific antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.

IL-17 Drug Development Pipeline:

Name

 Developer

Phase

Target

Drug Type

Indication

Izokibep (IMG-020)

Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals/Affibody/ACELYRIN

Phase III

IL-17A

Biologic

Psoriasis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, etc.

AK-111

 Akeso

 Phase II

IL-17A

 Biologic

Plaque Psoriasis

Anti-IL-17A humanized mAb

Sunshine Guojian

 Phase II

IL-17A

Biologic

Plaque Psoriasis

Anti-IL-17A humanized mAb

Junshi Biosciences

 Phase II

IL-17A

Biologic

Plaque Psoriasis

HB-0017

Huabo Biopharm

 Phase I

IL-17A

Biologic

Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

QX-002N

Qyuns Therapeutics

 Phase I

IL-17A

Biologic

Ankylosing Spondylitis

ZL-1102

Zai Lab

 Phase I

IL-17A

Biologic

Plaque Psoriasis

SIM0335

Simcere Pharmaceutical

 Phase I

IL-17A

Small molecule

Plaque Psoriasis

LY3509754

Eli Lilly

 Phase I

IL-17A

Small molecule

Autoimmune Disease

ASC50

Ascletis

 Phase I

IL-17A

Small molecule

Psoriasis

(Note: Only representative projects are shown here; data updated to 2024)

 

III. Empowering R&D: Reqbio Bio’s IL-17 Functional Cell Models

In a highly competitive R&D landscape, efficient and stable early-stage screening tools are the key to gaining a first-mover advantage. ReqBioBio has successfully developed and validated critical cell models targeting the IL-17 family.

1. IL-17A/F Cell Model

Given the homology between IL-17A and IL-17F, and their ability to form homodimers (IL-17A/A, IL-17F/F) or heterodimers (IL-17A/F), models that accurately evaluate different ligand forms are essential.

l Feature: Specifically responds to IL-17 family ligands.

l Application: Uses a reporter gene system to visualize the blocking effect of mAbs, bispecifics, or small molecules on downstream pathways. Ideal for in vitro activity and neutralization assays.

Jurkat E6.1 Human IL17A/17F Effector Reporter Cell (Cat No. RQP74484)

Figure 1.Dose Response of Ligands in IL17A/17F Effector Reporter Cell (C45).

 

Figure 2. Inhibition of Human IL17A induced Reporter Activity by IL17RA Blocking or IL17A Neutralization Ab in IL17A/17F Effector Reporter Cell(C45).

 

Figure 3. Inhibition of Human IL17A induced Reporter Activity by IL17RA Blocking or IL17A Neutralization Ab in IL17A/17F Effector Reporter Cell(C45).

Figure 4. Inhibition of Human IL17F induced Reporter Activity by IL17RA Blocking or IL17F Neutralization Ab in IL17A/17F Effector Reporter Cell(C45).

 

2. IL-25 (IL-17E) Cell Model

IL-25 is a unique family member involved in Type 2 immune responses, playing a major role in allergic diseases and anti-parasitic infections.

l Feature: Provides a reliable bioactivity assay platform for studying IL-25 specific inhibitors and immune regulation mechanisms.

Jurkat E6.1 Human IL25 Effector Reporter Cell(Suspension) (Cat No. RQP74480)

Figure 5. Recombinant IL25 Effector Reporter Cell(Suspension) stably expressing IL17RA & IL17RB.

 

Figure 6. Dose Response of Human Recombinant IL25 in IL25 Effector Reporter Cell(Suspension, C9).

Figure 7. Inhibition of Human IL25-induced Reporter Activity by IL25 Neutralization Ab or IL17RA&RB Blocking Abs in IL25 Effector Reporter Cell (Suspension, C9).

 

Advantages of ReqBioBio Cell Models:

High Sensitivity & Stability: Ensures reproducible experimental data and reliable screening results.

Clear Mechanism: Rigorous design based on IL-17 signaling pathways to reflect real drug-target interactions.

Ready-to-Use: Shortens R&D cycles and accelerates early drug discovery.

 

IV. Conclusion

From basic research to clinical translation, the potential of the IL-17 target is expanding exponentially. In an increasingly crowded track, choosing reliable tools means higher efficiency and lower costs. ReqBio remains committed to the frontiers of immunotherapy, providing high-quality biological reagents and cell models to help global researchers conquer autoimmune diseases.

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