The therapeutic potential of anti-interleukin-20 monoclonal antibody

Cell Transplant. 2014;23(4-5):631-9. doi: 10.3727/096368914X678319.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-20, a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines, was discovered in 2001. IL-20 acts on multiple cell types by activating on a heterodimer receptor complex of either IL-20R1-IL-20R2 or IL-22R1-IL-20R2. Recent evidence indicates that IL-20's interaction with its receptors might have proinflammatory effects on chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Updated information about IL-20, such as its identification, expression, receptors, signaling, and biological activities, is illustrated in this review based on our research and the data available in the literature. IL-20 is a pleiotropic cytokine, which promotes inflammation, angiogenesis, and chemotaxis. IL-20 also regulates osteoclast differentiation by altering the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL) axis. Inflammation, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis are critical for the pathogenesis of RA, osteoporosis, and breast cancer-induced osteolysis. Based on the in vitro and in vivo data and clinical samples, we demonstrated that IL-20 plays pivotal roles in these three diseases. In experimental models, anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody ameliorates arthritis severity, protects against ovariectomized-induced bone loss, and inhibits breast tumor-induced osteolysis. This review presents the clinical implications of IL-20, which will lead to a better understanding of the biological functions of IL-20 in these diseases and provide new therapeutic options in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Bone Density
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / immunology*
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / pathology
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Interleukins
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • interleukin 20