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An anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody (itolizumab) reduces circulating IL-6 in severe COVID-19 elderly patients

Danay Saavedra1, Ana Laura Añé-Kourí2, Naivy Sánchez3

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology. Center of Molecular Immunology, 216 St, Corner 15, PO Box 16040, Havana, Atabey, Cuba. danays@cim.sld.cu.

Immunity & Ageing : I & A
|December 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Itolizumab treatment reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum concentrations in critically and severely ill COVID-19 patients. This suggests itolizumab is a potential therapy to mitigate cytokine storm complications in severe COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19 presents a global healthcare challenge, particularly for elderly patients with comorbidities.
  • Cytokine storm, driven by mediators like interleukin-6 (IL-6), contributes to severe COVID-19 progression.
  • Itolizumab, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody, reduces key inflammatory cytokines including IL-6.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of itolizumab on IL-6 serum concentrations in COVID-19 patients.
  • To assess itolizumab's potential in managing cytokine storm in different COVID-19 severity groups.

Main Methods:

  • An expanded access clinical trial was conducted for COVID-19 patients (critically, severely, and moderately ill).
  • Serum IL-6 levels were monitored following a single dose of itolizumab in the first 24 patients.
  • Patient cohort included elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • A single dose of itolizumab led to decreased circulating IL-6 levels in critically and severely ill COVID-19 patients.
  • In moderately ill patients, IL-6 levels remained low and did not increase after itolizumab administration.
  • The study observed the IL-6 kinetic changes within the first 24 hours post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Itolizumab demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent to mitigate the adverse effects of cytokine storm in COVID-19.
  • These findings support further investigation of itolizumab for managing severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Cytokine release syndromeIL-6Itolizumab

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