Recombinant sgp130 protein targets the IL-6 pathway in the treatment of certain cancers.

Abstract

The invention proposes a novel construct, sgp130FcHis, that specifically inhibits the IL-6 signaling pathway. Recombinant proteins sgp130Fc and sgp130FcHis were detected in cell cultures infected with HEK sgpFcHis, but not in non-HEK WT cells. The sgp130FcHis protein did not degrade after up to 18 days of storage at room temperature or 4°C. Furthermore, the improved sgp130FcHis showed stronger inhibitory activity against cholangiocarcinoma cells in experimental studies compared to sgp130Fc. These results were validated in proliferation, migration, and downstream inhibition of IL-6 p-STAT3 signaling. The sgp130FcHis product was purified to a purity of 92%.