Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Interleukins

video

Interleukins are a subset of a larger group of cellular messenger molecules called cytokines, which modulates various cellular functions. Interleukins are not stored within cells but are secreted rapidly and briefly in response to a stimulus, such as an infectious agent. Like interferons, interleukins have a broad spectrum of therapeutic applications. Interleukin immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight melanoma (e.g., IL-2 agonist aldesleukin). On the other hand, interleukin inhibitors (Stelera, Taltz) are indicated for rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, two prevalent autoimmune conditions.

Image for interleukin signaling pathway is depicted in the sketch for IL-6 The most recent comprehensive classification of interleukins from IL-1 to IL-38 uses a combination of sequence homology, receptor chain similarities, and functional properties. Interleukin products are divided into two categories, IL-agonist and IL-antagonist. For example, Aldesleukin (Proleukin) is an IL-2 agonist, an orphan drug indicated for metastatic renal carcinoma; and Anakinra (Kineret) is an IL-1 receptor antagonist Indicated for DMARD-resistant rheumatoid arthritis Another popular use of interleukin products is for plaque psoriasis, including inhibitors of IL-17 (brodalumab, ixekizumab, and secukinumab), IL-23 (guselkumab), or IL-12/23 (ustekinumab). The biosimilar interleukin market is attractive because of patent expiration of original interleukins and their increasing use in skin care (skin psoriasis)

This article is from the free online

Pharmacotherapy: Understanding Biotechnology Products

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now