Therapeutics: Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7)

In vitro and mouse studies suggest anti-TLR7 antibodies could help treat autoimmune diseases. In mice treated with a TLR7 ligand, an anti-TLR7 mAb decreased serum levels of proinflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared with vehicle or control IgG1. In a mouse model of TLR7-induced systemic inflammation, an anti-TLR7 mAb decreased splenomegaly and measures of hepatitis compared with control IgG1. Next steps include identification of a human anti-TLR7 mAb...