Biologic
RCSB PDB 4IRZ
Natalizumab
Tysabri
- Mechanism of action
- Alpha-4 integrin antagonist (mAb)
- In plain language
- A lab-made antibody that blocks certain immune cells from squeezing into the brain, spinal cord, or gut lining, calming the inflammation that drives MS relapses and Crohn's flares.
- How it works
- Natalizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds the alpha-4 subunit shared by α4β1 and α4β7 integrins expressed on the surface of most leukocytes. By occupying this subunit, it blocks integrin interaction with endothelial counter-receptors in the CNS and gut vasculature, preventing firm adhesion and transmigration of activated lymphocytes and monocytes across the blood-brain barrier and intestinal endothelium.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated as monotherapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, and for inducing and maintaining clinical response and remission in adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease with an inadequate response to conventional therapies and TNF-alpha inhibitors.
- Class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Neurology / Gastroenterology
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