Mini Review
Open Access
The Simultaneous Inhibition of IL‑4 and IL‑13 by
Dupilumab
Ana Paula Galli Sanchez*1, Tatiane Ester Aidar Fernandes2
1Dermatologist and Master of Science from the Medical College of the University of São Paulo, Medical Contributor at the Severe Psoriasis Clinic of the Complexo Hospitalar Padre Bento de Guarulhos, Brazil
2Dermatologist, São Paulo, Brazil
2Dermatologist, São Paulo, Brazil
*Corresponding author: Ana Paula Galli Sanchez; Dermatologist, Medical Contributor at the Complexo Hospitalar Padre Bento de Guarulhos,
Brazil,
E-mail: @
Received: June 08, 2021; Accepted: June 15, 2021; Published: June 23, 2021
Citation: Ana Paula Galli Sanchez, Tatiane Ester Aidar Fernandes (2021). The Simultaneous Inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 by Dupilumab.
Clin Res Dermatol Open Access 8(2): 1-4. DOI: 10.15226/2378-1726/8/2/001138
Abstract
Interleukins (IL) IL-4 and IL-13 are key players in diseases in
which the Type 2 immune response is predominant, such as atopic
dermatitis (AD), asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal
polyposis (CRSwNP), that are currently being treated with dupilumab.
Dupilumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the
IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Rα), preventing both IL-4 and IL-13
mediated signaling. This mini-review summarizes the IL-4 receptor
system as well as the mechanism of action of dupilumab.
Keywords: IL-4; IL-13; dupilumab; Type 2 immunity
Abbreviations
AD: Atopic Dermatitis
CRSwNP: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
JAK: Janus Kinase
IL: Interleukin
IL-4R: Interleukin 4 Receptor
IL-4Rα: Interleukin 4 Receptor alpha chain
IL-13Rα1: Interleukin 13 Receptor alpha 1 chain
IL-13Rα2:Interleukin 13 Receptor alpha 2 chain
STAT: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription
TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor beta
TNF: Tumor Necrosis Factor
TYK2: Tyrosine Kinase 2
γc: Common gamma chain
Keywords: IL-4; IL-13; dupilumab; Type 2 immunity
Abbreviations
AD: Atopic Dermatitis
CRSwNP: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
JAK: Janus Kinase
IL: Interleukin
IL-4R: Interleukin 4 Receptor
IL-4Rα: Interleukin 4 Receptor alpha chain
IL-13Rα1: Interleukin 13 Receptor alpha 1 chain
IL-13Rα2:Interleukin 13 Receptor alpha 2 chain
STAT: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription
TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor beta
TNF: Tumor Necrosis Factor
TYK2: Tyrosine Kinase 2
γc: Common gamma chain
Cytokines are secreted glycoproteins that act as intercellular
messengers to control the hematopoietic and immune systems
along with the inflammatory response [1,2]. They are structurally
distinct factors that bind cellular receptors belonging to at least
seven families, which signal through very different pathways [1-
3].The major cytokine families are: the Type I/II cytokines, the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family, the IL‑1 family, the IL‑17
cytokines family, the stem cell factor/receptor tyrosine kinase
cytokines, the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) family,
and the chemokines family [1-3]. Type I/II cytokines signal
through the Janus Kinase (JAK) and the Signal Transducer and
Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway [1-3].
IL-4 and IL-13 are Type I cytokines [1-3]. Their receptor complexes on target cells consist of two protein chains, which contain intracellular domains associated with members of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases[1-8]. IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes have a common subunit, which is the IL-4Rα [1-8]. Dupilumab to IL-4Rα, preventing both IL‐4‐ and IL‐13‐mediated signaling [1-8].
IL-4 and IL-13 are Type I cytokines [1-3]. Their receptor complexes on target cells consist of two protein chains, which contain intracellular domains associated with members of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases[1-8]. IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes have a common subunit, which is the IL-4Rα [1-8]. Dupilumab to IL-4Rα, preventing both IL‐4‐ and IL‐13‐mediated signaling [1-8].
IL-4 and IL-13 Receptor Complexes
The specific cytokine-binding receptor chain for IL-4 is IL-4Rα while the specific cytokine-binding receptor chain for IL-13 is IL- 13Rα1 [5-8]. IL-4Rα chain is widely expressed, with most cells carry in the very least, low numbers of it. Upon IL-4 binding to IL- 4Rα, the IL-4/IL-4Rα-complex will bind to a secondary receptor chain to form a functional receptor complex. The secondary receptor chain can be the common gamma (γc) or the IL-13Rα1 chain [5-8]. The receptor formed by IL-4Rα dimerized with γc is the“Type I IL-4R” whereas the receptor formed by IL-4Rα dimerized with IL-13Rα1 is the “Type II IL-4R” [5-8]. The “Type II IL-4R” can also be used by IL-13. In this case, IL-13 first binds to IL-13Rα1 (its specific receptor). Then, the IL-13/IL-13Rα complex induces the recruitment of the IL-4Rα [5-8]. Therefore, IL-4Rα can pair with the γc chain to form the “Type I IL-4R” (IL-4 specific) as well as with the IL-13Rα1 to form the “Type II IL-4R” (IL-4 and IL-13 specific) (Figure 1) [5-8].
Once completely assembled, the functional IL-4R complex brings the two JAKs (associated with the intracellular receptor chains) close to one another [3,5-8]. Then, the trans-phosphorylation of the JAKs occurs, activating the JAK/STAT6 pathway [3,5-8]. In both Type I and Type II IL-4R, JAK1, JAK3, and JAK2 (or TYK2), are respectively associated with the IL-4Rα, γc and IL-13Rα1 [5-8]. IL 13 can also bind to a second receptor (IL-13Rα2) on target cells. The function of IL-13Rα2 is unclear but it seems to be a decoy receptor [6-8].
The expression of the secondary chains (γc and IL-13Rα1) varies among different cell types [5-8]. Lymphocytes express only low levels of IL-13Rα1 and relatively large amounts of γc [6-8]. In non-hematopoietic cells, γc expression is low or absent, whereas higher amounts of IL-13Rα1 are expressed. By contrast, T cells do not express IL-13Rα1. Actually, only T helper 17 cells seem to express IL-13Rα1 [6,8]. Cells of myeloid origin (such as dendritic cells) as well as B cells express both Type I and Type II IL-4R [6,8]. Therefore, Type I IL-4R is expressed on hematopoietic (lymphoid and myeloid) cells and binds IL-4 exclusively [6-8]. On the other hand, the Type II IL-4R is expressed on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and can bind IL-4 and IL-13 [5-8]. Of course, differences in the expression of the Type I and Type II IL- 4R subtypes result in differences in the sensitivity of the cells to IL-4 and IL-13 [6-8].
As high amounts of IL-13Rα1 are expressed in non-hematopoietic cells (such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, as well as the airway and skin epithelium), IL-13 seems to be the key cytokine driving Type 2 inflammation in the periphery [6-8]. Conversely, IL-4 has mostly a central effect (in T-cells, IL-4 induces the differentiation of naïve helper T cells into T helper2 cells while,in B cells, IL-4 drives the immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch to IgE) [6-8].
The specific cytokine-binding receptor chain for IL-4 is IL-4Rα while the specific cytokine-binding receptor chain for IL-13 is IL- 13Rα1 [5-8]. IL-4Rα chain is widely expressed, with most cells carry in the very least, low numbers of it. Upon IL-4 binding to IL- 4Rα, the IL-4/IL-4Rα-complex will bind to a secondary receptor chain to form a functional receptor complex. The secondary receptor chain can be the common gamma (γc) or the IL-13Rα1 chain [5-8]. The receptor formed by IL-4Rα dimerized with γc is the“Type I IL-4R” whereas the receptor formed by IL-4Rα dimerized with IL-13Rα1 is the “Type II IL-4R” [5-8]. The “Type II IL-4R” can also be used by IL-13. In this case, IL-13 first binds to IL-13Rα1 (its specific receptor). Then, the IL-13/IL-13Rα complex induces the recruitment of the IL-4Rα [5-8]. Therefore, IL-4Rα can pair with the γc chain to form the “Type I IL-4R” (IL-4 specific) as well as with the IL-13Rα1 to form the “Type II IL-4R” (IL-4 and IL-13 specific) (Figure 1) [5-8].
Once completely assembled, the functional IL-4R complex brings the two JAKs (associated with the intracellular receptor chains) close to one another [3,5-8]. Then, the trans-phosphorylation of the JAKs occurs, activating the JAK/STAT6 pathway [3,5-8]. In both Type I and Type II IL-4R, JAK1, JAK3, and JAK2 (or TYK2), are respectively associated with the IL-4Rα, γc and IL-13Rα1 [5-8]. IL 13 can also bind to a second receptor (IL-13Rα2) on target cells. The function of IL-13Rα2 is unclear but it seems to be a decoy receptor [6-8].
The expression of the secondary chains (γc and IL-13Rα1) varies among different cell types [5-8]. Lymphocytes express only low levels of IL-13Rα1 and relatively large amounts of γc [6-8]. In non-hematopoietic cells, γc expression is low or absent, whereas higher amounts of IL-13Rα1 are expressed. By contrast, T cells do not express IL-13Rα1. Actually, only T helper 17 cells seem to express IL-13Rα1 [6,8]. Cells of myeloid origin (such as dendritic cells) as well as B cells express both Type I and Type II IL-4R [6,8]. Therefore, Type I IL-4R is expressed on hematopoietic (lymphoid and myeloid) cells and binds IL-4 exclusively [6-8]. On the other hand, the Type II IL-4R is expressed on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and can bind IL-4 and IL-13 [5-8]. Of course, differences in the expression of the Type I and Type II IL- 4R subtypes result in differences in the sensitivity of the cells to IL-4 and IL-13 [6-8].
As high amounts of IL-13Rα1 are expressed in non-hematopoietic cells (such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, as well as the airway and skin epithelium), IL-13 seems to be the key cytokine driving Type 2 inflammation in the periphery [6-8]. Conversely, IL-4 has mostly a central effect (in T-cells, IL-4 induces the differentiation of naïve helper T cells into T helper2 cells while,in B cells, IL-4 drives the immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch to IgE) [6-8].
Figure 1: Structure of "Type 1 IL-4R" (IL-4Rα/γc; IL-4 specific) and “Type II IL-4” (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1; IL-4 and IL-13 specific). Cytokine binds to its
specific receptor on the cell membrane (A1, B1, C1). Then, specific cytokine receptor subunit dimerizes with another receptor subunit (a receptor
secondary chain) and the trans-phosphorylation (activation) of JAKs occurs (A2, B2, C2). IL-4R: interleukin 4 receptor; IL-4Rα: interleukin 4 receptor
alpha chain; IL-13Rα1: interleukin 13 receptor alpha 1 chain; γc: common gamma chain; JAK: Janus Kinase; TYK2: Tyrosine kinase 2
Dupilumab: molecule overview and mechanism of action
Dupilumab is a recombinant, fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody, with a molecular mass of 147 Kilodaltons, produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells via recombinant DNA technology [9].
The drug is administered through subcutaneous injections in doses of 200 or 300 mg. The maximum serum concentration is achieved one week after the initial injection, with a bioavailability of 64%.Following the administration of subsequent doses, steady-state concentrations are reached by week 16 and turns non detectable for about 10–13 weeks after last administration [10,11].
In relation to immunogenicity, the incidence of anti-drug antibodies is usually low. It was reported approximately 7% of patients using dupilumab for 16 weeks developed anti-drug antibodies, of which only 30% were classified as neutralizing [10].
Dupilumab binds specifically to IL-4Rα, the shared receptor subunit for IL-4 and IL-13. In Type I IL4R, dupilumab inhibits IL-4 binding to IL-4Rα[4-10], and/or may inhibit the recruitment of γc to IL-4Rα chain [5]. In Type II IL-4R, it can inhibit IL-4 binding to IL-4Rα and/or inhibit the recruitment of IL-4Rα to IL-13Rα (Figure 2) [4-10].
IL-4 and IL-13 share not only receptors but also biological activities, regulating the responses of lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and non-hematopoietic cells [4-8,12]. Acting on many kinds of cells (such as airway and skin epithelium, monocytes, dendritic cells, and B cells), IL-13 and IL-4 have pivotal roles in maintaining
Dupilumab is a recombinant, fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody, with a molecular mass of 147 Kilodaltons, produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells via recombinant DNA technology [9].
The drug is administered through subcutaneous injections in doses of 200 or 300 mg. The maximum serum concentration is achieved one week after the initial injection, with a bioavailability of 64%.Following the administration of subsequent doses, steady-state concentrations are reached by week 16 and turns non detectable for about 10–13 weeks after last administration [10,11].
In relation to immunogenicity, the incidence of anti-drug antibodies is usually low. It was reported approximately 7% of patients using dupilumab for 16 weeks developed anti-drug antibodies, of which only 30% were classified as neutralizing [10].
Dupilumab binds specifically to IL-4Rα, the shared receptor subunit for IL-4 and IL-13. In Type I IL4R, dupilumab inhibits IL-4 binding to IL-4Rα[4-10], and/or may inhibit the recruitment of γc to IL-4Rα chain [5]. In Type II IL-4R, it can inhibit IL-4 binding to IL-4Rα and/or inhibit the recruitment of IL-4Rα to IL-13Rα (Figure 2) [4-10].
IL-4 and IL-13 share not only receptors but also biological activities, regulating the responses of lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and non-hematopoietic cells [4-8,12]. Acting on many kinds of cells (such as airway and skin epithelium, monocytes, dendritic cells, and B cells), IL-13 and IL-4 have pivotal roles in maintaining
Figure 2: Competitively binding to the shared subunit of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα), dupilumab can inhibit IL-4 binding to IL-4Rα (in Type I and Type
II IL-4R), blocking IL-4 signaling. Upon IL-13 binding to IL-13Rα (in Type II IL-4R), dupilumab bonded to IL-4Rα inhibits the recruitment of the IL-4Rα
to IL-13Rα1, blocking IL-13 signaling. IL-4R: interleukin 4 receptor; IL-4Rα: interleukin 4 receptor alpha chain; IL-13Rα1: interleukin 13 receptor
alpha 1 chain; γc: common gamma chain; JAK: Janus Kinase; TYK2: Tyrosine kinase 2
inflammation in Type 2 immune response [4-8,12]. Therefore,
preventing both IL-4 and IL-13 mediated signaling, dupilumab
has been useful in the treatment of several Type 2 immunemediated
diseases [4-19].
In moderate-to-severe AD, subcutaneous injections of dupilumab (as monotherapy or with concomitant topical corticosteroids) demonstrated improved AD skin lesions, symptoms, and quality of life, with a favorable safety profile, in adults and children (with 6 years old or more) [10,13-15]. Differences in gene expression following administration of dupilumab include downregulation of markers of epidermal proliferation, downregulation of inflammatory mediators, upregulation of structural proteins, upregulation of lipid metabolism proteins, and upregulation of epidermal barrier proteins resulting in normalization of skin [10]. The most common adverse events in all trials were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, injection site reactions, skin infections, and conjunctivitis [10,13-15]. Beyond AD, dupilumab is under investigation for several other dermatological conditions, including prurigo nodularis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, bullous pemphigoid, allergic contact dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, and alopecia areata [16,17], which indicates this drug can be, in a near future, an important player in the chronic skin diseases treatment arsenal.
In moderate-to-severe AD, subcutaneous injections of dupilumab (as monotherapy or with concomitant topical corticosteroids) demonstrated improved AD skin lesions, symptoms, and quality of life, with a favorable safety profile, in adults and children (with 6 years old or more) [10,13-15]. Differences in gene expression following administration of dupilumab include downregulation of markers of epidermal proliferation, downregulation of inflammatory mediators, upregulation of structural proteins, upregulation of lipid metabolism proteins, and upregulation of epidermal barrier proteins resulting in normalization of skin [10]. The most common adverse events in all trials were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, injection site reactions, skin infections, and conjunctivitis [10,13-15]. Beyond AD, dupilumab is under investigation for several other dermatological conditions, including prurigo nodularis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, bullous pemphigoid, allergic contact dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, and alopecia areata [16,17], which indicates this drug can be, in a near future, an important player in the chronic skin diseases treatment arsenal.
Aberrant Type 2 immune responses underlie not only AD but
also other diseases such as asthma and CRSwNP, which can be a challenge to treat [4,10,12-15,18,19]. IL-4 and IL-13 are key
and central drivers of Type 2 immunity and the simultaneous
inhibition of both cytokines carried out by dupilumab has shown
significant clinical improvement in Type 2 immune-mediated
diseases [4,5,9,10,12-19].
Specifically in dermatology, the sustained efficacy and favorable safety profile of dupilumab observed up to 3 years in adults with AD support the long-term continuous use of the drug for treating this chronic and debilitating disease [13]. There fore, Dermatologists should understand the mechanism of action of dupilumab, which besides to being used to treat moderate-tosevere AD [10,13-15], has great potential for the treatment of several other inflammatory skin diseases [16-17].
Specifically in dermatology, the sustained efficacy and favorable safety profile of dupilumab observed up to 3 years in adults with AD support the long-term continuous use of the drug for treating this chronic and debilitating disease [13]. There fore, Dermatologists should understand the mechanism of action of dupilumab, which besides to being used to treat moderate-tosevere AD [10,13-15], has great potential for the treatment of several other inflammatory skin diseases [16-17].
Ana Paula Galli Sanchez has served as a speaker and/or
consultant to AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Leo-
Pharma and Sandoz. Tatiane Ester Aidar Fernandes was Sanofi-
Genzyme’s employee at the time of article writing.
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