Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect microbial pathogens and initiate immune responses. Among these, Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is particularly significant due to its role in recognizing single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) from viruses, thereby triggering antiviral immune responses.
TLR7 is a member of the TLR family and is primarily expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B cells. It is located in the endosomal compartments where it recognizes ssRNA. Upon recognition of its ligand, TLR7 undergoes a conformational change that leads to the recruitment of the adaptor protein MyD88. This recruitment initiates a signaling cascade that results in the production of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are essential for antiviral defense.
TLR7 has been implicated in various autoimmune diseases, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Overexpression of TLR7 can lead to the production of autoantibodies and the development of lupus-like symptoms in mouse models. Conversely, TLR7 deficiency has been shown to ameliorate these symptoms, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of SLE .
Mouse anti-human TLR7 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies developed in mice that specifically target human TLR7. These antibodies are used in research to study the function of TLR7 and its role in various diseases. One such antibody, DS-7011a, has shown promise as a therapeutic agent for SLE. DS-7011a is an antagonistic antibody that binds to human TLR7 and inhibits its signaling, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines .
Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of DS-7011a in mouse models of lupus. Administration of this antibody improved survival rates and reduced autoantibody production in these models . In a first-in-human clinical trial, DS-7011a was found to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers. The study also showed that the antibody effectively inhibited TLR7 signaling, as evidenced by reduced cytokine production in response to TLR7 stimulation .