Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a central regulator of inflammation, but clinical use of recombinant IL-10 has been limited by poor pharmacokinetics and on-target toxicities, including IL-10‑mediated inflammation. Recent studies indicate that IL-10’s anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory activities can be uncoupled at the level of receptor activation, yet no existing therapies achieve such functional selectivity. Thus, there is a pressing need for a stable, anti-inflammatory IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) agonist that restores immune balance without systemic toxicity.
This project aims to develop a first-in-class agonistic nanobody that selectively engages IL-10R1/IL-10R2 complexes to bias signaling toward anti-inflammatory pathways. Lead nanobody candidates will be evaluated for efficacy and safety in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease.
This work will deliver a selective IL-10 nanobody agonist with improved precision, stability, and safety for the treatment of chronic inflammation. Moreover, this strategy provides a scalable platform for cytokine–receptor focused approaches, enabling next-generation therapeutics for inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurological diseases.
Funding
Funding Duration
January 12, 2026 - January 11, 2028