Therapeutics: Interleukin-13 (IL-13); IL-4 receptor (CD124; IL-4RA)

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting IL-13-CD124 signaling could help treat schistosomiasis-related liver disease. In a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni infection, hepatoblast-specific knockout of IL-13 decreased recruitment of inflammatory cells to the liver (ductal reaction) compared with normal IL-13 expression. Also in the model, CD124 knockout in biliary cells, hepatoblasts and liver fibroblasts decreased ductal reaction, ductal cholestasis and steatosis, and fibrosis, respectively, in the liver. Next steps could include testing inhibition of IL-13-IL-4RA signaling in models of other IL-13-driven liver disease.

AstraZeneca plc has tralokinumab (CAT-354), a human IgG4 mAb against IL-13, in Phase III testing for severe asthma and Phase II testing for atopic dermatitis...