Autoimmune disease

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting CTSS could help treat lupus. In a mouse model of the disease, CTSS levels were higher in dendritic cells from the spleen, blood and bone marrow than from the corresponding tissues of normal mice. Also in the model, a CTSS inhibitor tool compound decreased blood levels of antibodies targeting double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), IgG levels in glomeruli, proteinuria, splenomegaly, numbers of germinal center B cells in the spleen and diversity of TCRB gene sequences in follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in the spleen compared with vehicle. Next steps could include identifying and testing CTSS inhibitors in models of lupus.

Virobay Inc. has the oral CTSS inhibitor VBY-036 in Phase I testing to treat pain and in discovery research to treat Alzheimer's disease. ...