Cytokine-Targeted Therapy R&D for IBD

Although the etiology that triggers IBD is still unknown, enough progress has been made to allow us to characterize some of the cytokine-mediated signalling pathways assigned to the acute inflammatory process. Several cytokines were identified as main mediators of chronic IBD inflammation, and drugs that antagonize these molecules were designed as biological therapies in the treatment of IBD. Anti-TNF drugs clearly improved the activity and long-term results of IBD treatment compared with conventional therapies. Therefore, targeting these cytokines may provide new strategies for the treatment of IBD.

Fig. 1. Key roles of cytokines in gut homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease. (Neurath, 2024)

Cytokine-Targeted Therapy R&D Services

Ace Therapeutics is committed to helping clients develop cytokine-based therapies for IBD. Our team of scientists consists of immunologists, molecular biologists and pharmacologists who have studied cytokines and their respective signaling pathways for many years. We have performed countless experiments and have vast experience on complex experimental design and testing.

Identification and Validation of Cytokines Involved in IBD Pathogenesis

Using high-throughput methods such as single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics and microbiome analyses and multimomics technologies, we further identify and verify IBD-pathogenic cytokines. Animal models of IBD are also essential to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of cytokines. Using gene knockout and gene overexpression approaches, functional studies are also carried out.

Types of Cytokine-Targeted Therapies We Can Develop

Using spatially resolved, high-dimensional transcriptomic assessment of gene transcription by spatial transcriptomics, we can precisely localize mRNA molecules within the inflamed gut, as well as discern the position of mucosal cells prior to sequencing, which could facilitate monitoring of the trajectory of immune cell lineage, dissect disease endotypes and select appropriate anti-cytokine therapies for IBD.

We have extensive experience in the development of cytokine-targeted therapies, including:

Our Strategy for Improving Anti-cytokine Agents

We offer a variety of technologies to improve the target binding and pharmacokinetics or antibody-mediated cytotoxicity of monoclonal anti-cytokine antibodies in IBD.

• Modification of antibody formats. We assist our clients in developing bispecific antibody formats that target multiple cytokines to enhance drug concentration in the gut and improve the efficacy of treatments for IBD.
• We can design new target structures of antibodies that enable the blockade of several cytokines.
• Computational design of cytokines. We offer protein engineering methods such as directed evolution lead to cytokines with higher half-life through modifications such as Fc fusion protein design or PEGylation.

Ace Therapeutics helps our clients to develop cytokine-targeted therapies to IBD, including regulatory T cell transfer to restore the balance of cytokines, the blockade of pro-inflammatory cytokines or their receptors, as well as the inhibition of signalling kinases. If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us.