Anti-Interleukin-6 receptor antibody

Abstract

Tocilizumab is the first anti-interleukin (IL) -6 receptor monoclonal antibody developed in Japan. Tocilizumab binds to the soluble or membrane-bound form of the IL-6 receptor to inhibit the binding of IL-6 to its receptor, which suppresses subsequent signaling and reduces IL-6-related systemic inflammation. Tocilizumab is currently used to treat rheumatic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Takayasu arteritis. Furthermore, tocilizumab was recently approved to treat cytokine release syndrome induced by tumor-specific T-cell infusion therapy and pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2, in addition to various rheumatic diseases. This study describes the mechanism of action, application, pre-introduction evaluation, side effects, and prospects of tocilizumab. This will provide useful guidance for its appropriate use in clinical practice.