IL-21 (Interleukin 21)

Biology and Diseases

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine with a potent regulatory effect on the immune system. Mainly produced by activated T-cells, IL-21 is responsible for the hematopoiesis of T-, B-, natural killer and dendritic cells. The production and differentiation of these effector cells may lead to an increased immunity against cancerous or virally infected cells. Thus, the role of IL-21 in the regulation of immunoinflammatory responses has important implications for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Therapies

The effect of IL-21 on the growth and maturation of myeloid and lymphoid cells has sparked immense therapeutic interest. IL-21 is being developed as an anti-tumor treatment for metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Another phase II clinical trial examines the therapeutic potential of IL-21 in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Successful outcome from these studies will further establish IL-21 immunotherapy as an effective treatment for various cancers, in addition to standard methods such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, preclinical studies suggest that IL-21’s role in T-cell regulation might increase cytotoxic potential and boost antiviral immunity in HIV infected patients.

Unmet Need

The precise function of IL-21 in the modulation of the immune system is not well understood due to the complexity of the regulatory pathway. Detecting diminutive changes in IL-21 concentrations will help researchers understand the processes that occur during disease progression of cancers where IL-21 is implicated. Currently available immunoassays still lack the sensitivity required to quantify baseline concentrations of IL-17 in healthy subjects. A superior assay with a broad range of detection will aid in efficacy and toxicity studies of IL-21 targeted therapies.

Singulex Answer

The Singulex IL-21 assay, optimized for use on the Erenna System, has an LLoQ of 0.8 pg/mL and a reading range of 0.07-100 pg/mL. The excellent assay sensitivity and precision enable early detection of diseases, where significant changes in IL-21 concentration are easily overlooked by less sensitive immunoassays. The Singulex IL-21 Assay has also been validated for use in serum. This assay will allow investigators to:

1. Measure the efficacy and dosing of therapies designed to interfere with immuno-inflammatory responses.

2. Design robust clinical and preclinical studies when IL-21 concentration is used as a therapeutic endpoint.

3. Understand how IL-21 concentrations change in patients as they transition from a healthy to diseased state.

Application Note

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