Dual Inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6R mitigates cytokine release syndrome via protection of endothelial integrity and reduction of organ damage in mouse models

Authors
Won, Hyeyun, Park, Eunyoung, Roh, Yun-Gil, Kang, Mincheol, Kim, Nari


Lab
Prestige BioPharma IDC; Republic of Korea; Na Zhang; Shandong University; China; Rana Salieva; Osh State University; Kyrgyzstan; Help center

Journal
Frontiers in Immunology

Abstract
IntroductionCytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) is a life-threatening complication of T-cell-engaging immunotherapies, causing vascular leakage and multi-organ dysfunction. Standard Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade often fails in severe cases by leaving the upstream initiator, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), unchecked. TNF-α drives early macrophage activation and endothelial injury, whereas IL-6 amplifies systemic inflammation. To decisively interrupt this inflammatory feedback loop, we developed IDC007, a novel bispecific antibody simultaneously neutralizing TNF-α and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R).MethodsWe evaluated the neutralizing effects of IDC007 in an in vitro CRS model utilizing OKT3/R848-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, we utilized an OKT3-induced humanized CRS mouse model to assess in vivo target engagement and therapeutic efficacy.ResultsIn vitro, IDC007 effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (e.g., TNF-α, IFN-γ) and prevented endothelial barrier dysfunction. In vivo, IDC007 successfully engaged both targets. Administration mitigated physiological deterioration, including hypothermia and weight loss, leading to improved survival. Dual inhibition effectively prevented immune hyperactivation, evidenced by the significant attenuation of splenomegaly and lung-specific organ damage.DiscussionThese findings serve as a preclinical proof-of-concept demonstrating that dual targeting of TNF-α and IL-6R offers a potent mechanistic approach to attenuate severe CRS by preserving vascular endothelial integrity and overcoming the therapeutic limitations of conventional monotherapies.

Keywords/Topics
interleukin-6 receptor; cytokine release syndrome; bispecific antibody; IDC007; immunotherapy-induced toxicity; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Source :

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1848290/full

Publication request

Thank you for your interest in our product range and your request for this publication, which will be sent to you if the research team and the journal allow it. Our commercial team will contact you as soon as possible.