title: Tregalizumab - A Monoclonal Antibody to Target Regulatory T Cells.
abstract: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a subpopulation of CD4(+) T cells, which are essential for the maintenance of immunological tolerance. The absence or dysfunction of Tregs can lead to autoimmunity and allergies. The restoration of functional Tregs and/or Treg cell numbers represents a novel and attractive approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The CD4 cell surface receptor is a target for modulation of T cell function. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CD4 have previously been tested for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including RA. Furthermore, in model systems, anti-CD4 antibodies are able to induce tolerance and mediate immunomodulatory effects through a variety of mechanisms. Despite the availability of innovative and effective therapies for RA, many patients still have persistently active disease or experience adverse events that can limit use. A growing body of evidence suggests that Treg modulation could offer a new therapeutic strategy in RA and other autoimmune disorders. Here, we describe tregalizumab (BT-061), which is a novel, non-depleting IgG1 mAb that binds to a unique epitope of CD4. Tregalizumab represents the first humanized anti-CD4 mAb that selectively induces Treg activation.
authors.affiliation: Biotest AG , Dreieich , Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: König
authors.affiliation: Biotest AG , Dreieich , Germany.
authors.forename: Faiza
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rharbaoui
authors.affiliation: Biotest AG , Dreieich , Germany.
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aigner
authors.affiliation: Biotest AG , Dreieich , Germany.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dälken
authors.affiliation: Biotest AG , Dreieich , Germany.
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schüttrumpf
keywords: CD4 T cells; autoimmunity; monoclonal antibody; regulatory T cells; rheumatoid arthritis
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