INTERLEUKIN-6 (IL-6) ANTAGONISTS INTERLEUKIN-6 (IL-6) ANTAGONISTS

摘要

These are antagonists of interleukin-6, characterised in that they consist of soluble forms of the receptor alpha of human IL-6 (shIL-6R alpha ) containing one or more mutation in the gp130 binding interface. In a preferred embodiment, the mutations are present in a position chosen from the group comprising Ala 228, Asn 230, His 280 and Asp 281. These antagonists can be used as agents capable of preventing and treating diseases caused by abnormal IL-6 activity. The figure shows the antagonist activity of the mutant Ala228Asp/Asn 230Asp/His280Ser/Asp281Val in comparison with the agonist properties of wild type shIL-6R alpha . This antagonist can be used for preparation of drugs for the prevention, control and treatment of diseases caused by abnormal IL-6 bioactivity.