DNA aptamers that inhibit binding to human interleukin-17A and interleukin-20

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-20 (IL-20) are key cytokines in inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
• Developing specific tools to study these cytokines is crucial for therapeutic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize DNA aptamers for IL-17 and IL-20 using SELEX.
• To evaluate the binding affinity and specificity of the generated aptamers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) was employed to identify aptamers.
• Aptamer-cytokine binding was confirmed using photo-crosslinking experiments.
• Binding affinities (K_d) were determined.

Main Results:

• High-affinity DNA aptamers for IL-17A were isolated with K_d values as low as 4 nM.
• Novel DNA aptamers for IL-20 were identified with K_d values as low as 120 nM.
• Photo-crosslinking confirmed aptamer binding, likely to the cytokine monomer.

Conclusions:

• Novel DNA aptamers for IL-17 and IL-20 have been successfully developed.
• These aptamers serve as valuable tools for cytokine research and potential therapeutic development.
• Applications include studying inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis.