Introduction: The cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), binds the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) to regulate inflammation, immune responses, and hematopoiesis. While its role in host defense has been well established, dysregulated IL-6/IL-6R signaling is also associated with autoimmune disorders (e.g. Sjögren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis) and inflammatory conditions (cytokine release syndrome). As an intervention to capture IL-6 in murine autoimmune disease models, we developed an anti-IL-6 fusion protein (aIL6-A192) consisting of anti- IL-6 single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) and an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP).
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will know
Explain the assembly of scFv-ELP nanoparticles.
Explain the rationale for supra-lacrimal gland administration of immunosuppressants.
Define compartmental PK model that fits supra-lacrimal administration of ELP nanoparticles.
Alvin Phan, PhD – Post-doctoral fellow, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Mann School; Shin-Jae Lee, MS – Graduate Student, Alfred E. Mann Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Viterbi School; Sara Attia – Graduate Student, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Mann School; Ashley Ramirez, MS – Graduate Student, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Mann School; Quratulain Bhatti, MS – Graduate Student, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Mann School; Maria Edman, PhD – Professor of Research, Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Keck School; Sarah Hamm-Alvarez, PhD – Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Keck School
