Cytokines and Chemokines
14 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- DulanerminDulanermin is a recombinant, soluble form of the human tumor necrosis factor‑related apoptosis‑inducing ligand (TRAIL). It is an investigational biologic being evaluated primarily in combination with standard chemotherapy for advanced solid tumours such as non‑small‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic colorectal cancer. The drug is administered intravenously and is intended to trigger tumour‑cell specific apoptosis through death‑receptor activation.
- ErythropoietinErythropoietin (EPO) is a recombinant hematopoietic glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red‑blood‑cell production. It is prescribed to treat anemia, most commonly in chronic kidney disease, and is delivered by injection. Research has explored additional uses such as neuroprotection in newborns with hypoxic‑ischemic encephalopathy, treatment of iron‑deficiency anemia during pregnancy, and its role in the erythropoietic response of heart‑failure patients.
- EtanerceptEtanercept is a prescription biologic fusion protein composed of two copies of the human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 linked to an IgG1 Fc fragment. Delivered by subcutaneous injection, it binds circulating and membrane-bound TNF‑α, dampening the inflammatory cascade. Clinical investigations have evaluated it for severe drug‑induced skin reactions and inflammatory skin disease, where it reduces disease activity and improves healing.
- Human Interleukin 8Human interleukin‑8 (IL‑8, also called CXCL8) is a CXC chemokine that attracts and activates neutrophils. Produced by many cell types in response to inflammatory stimuli such as IL‑1, TNF‑α or bacterial products, IL‑8 is used in research to study neutrophil chemotaxis, model inflammatory lung injury, and as a radiolabelled probe for detecting bacterial infection. A fully human anti‑IL‑8 monoclonal antibody (ABX‑IL8) has been investigated in inflammatory disease trials.
- Human interleukin-2Human interleukin‑2 (IL‑2) is a cytokine that promotes the growth and activation of T‑lymphocytes and natural‑killer cells. It is formulated as a prescription drug, approved in the United States, and delivered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection. Commercially, IL‑2 is incorporated into the fusion protein denileukin diftitox, which is used for relapsed or refractory cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL).
- Interleukin-10Interleukin‑10 (IL‑10) is an anti‑inflammatory cytokine studied for its immunomodulatory properties. Research explores its role in metabolic disorders, muscle wasting, allergic disease, and mental health, often as a biomarker or genetic factor rather than a therapeutic agent. Current evidence is confined to observational studies, meta‑analyses of polymorphisms, and mechanistic investigations in humans and animal models.
- Interleukin-7Interleukin‑7 (IL‑7) is a cytokine that supports the development, survival and homeostatic proliferation of lymphocytes. It is being investigated as an immunomodulatory agent to counteract age‑related immune decline and to augment immune competence in various settings. IL‑7 is not yet approved for any therapeutic indication and remains an investigational compound studied primarily in pre‑clinical models and early‑phase research.
- IRX-2IRX-2 is an investigational biologic composed of a mixture of human cytokines (including IL‑2, IL‑1β, IFN‑γ and TNF‑α) derived from stimulated peripheral‑blood mononuclear cells. It is being studied as a neoadjuvant immunotherapy for resectable head and neck squamous‑cell carcinoma, particularly oral cavity cancer, with the aim of reversing tumor‑induced immune suppression and enhancing anti‑tumor immune activity before surgery.
- LeridistimLeridistim is an investigational chimeric cytokine that simultaneously activates interleukin‑3 (IL‑3) and granulocyte colony‑stimulating factor (G‑CSF) receptors. Developed as a myelopoietin, it is studied to accelerate hematopoietic recovery after myelosuppressive chemotherapy or radiation, and to expand progenitor cells for transplantation.
- Recombinant CD40-ligandRecombinant CD40‑ligand (rCD40L, also called CD154) is a laboratory‑produced version of the CD40‑binding cytokine that normally mediates T‑cell help to B cells and other immune cells. It is used experimentally to trigger B‑cell proliferation, class‑switching, and T‑cell activation, and has been explored as an immunomodulatory agent in conditions such as X‑linked hyper‑IgM syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and neuroblastoma models.
- RegramostimRegramostim is a prescription, recombinant human granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor (GM‑CSF) produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. It is used clinically to boost white‑blood‑cell production, particularly neutrophils, in patients whose bone‑marrow function is suppressed by chemotherapy, radiation, or transplantation, and to mobilise progenitor cells for autologous bone‑marrow support.
- ThrombopoietinThrombopoietin (TPO) is a naturally occurring cytokine that drives the growth and maturation of megakaryocytes, the bone‑marrow cells that produce platelets. In research settings it is being explored as a tool to counteract chemotherapy‑induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and to illuminate the biology of myeloproliferative neoplasms that involve the TPO receptor (TPOR). It is not an approved therapeutic agent.
- Tucotuzumab celmoleukinTucotuzumab celmoleukin (huKS‑IL2, EMD 273066) is an investigational immunocytokine that couples a humanized anti‑EpCAM monoclonal antibody (KS) with interleukin‑2. It is being explored as a cancer‑directed immune stimulant, administered intravenously, and has been evaluated in pre‑clinical mouse models and early‑phase clinical trials for prostate cancer and extensive‑disease small‑cell lung cancer.
- XPro1595XPro1595 is an investigational biologic that acts as a dominant‑negative inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α). Designed to selectively neutralise the soluble form of TNF while preserving the transmembrane form, it is being explored for neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and for vascular disorders like abdominal aortic aneurysm. The compound is administered by subcutaneous injection and remains in the research‑only category.