osm-8 Antibody

OSM Antibodies: Overview and Applications

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and immune regulation . Antibodies targeting OSM or its receptors (e.g., OSMRβ) are under investigation for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Key Applications of OSM Antibodies:

Mechanisms of Action

OSM antibodies work through two primary pathways:

1. Direct Neutralization: Binding to OSM prevents receptor interaction, blocking downstream JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling .

2. Receptor Blockade: Targeting OSMRβ (e.g., anti-OSMRβ antibodies) disrupts OSM signaling, as observed in IL-31-induced itch responses .

Key Signaling Pathways

Anti-OSMRβ Antibodies

• Atopic Dermatitis: In NC/Nga mice, subcutaneous anti-OSMRβ antibodies reduced scratching behavior by 60%, suppressed IgE and IL-13 levels, and improved skin lesions .

• Pain Management: OSM antagonists (e.g., small molecules or vectors targeting OSMRβ) have shown efficacy in treating cancerous and neurogenic pain .

Anti-OSM Monoclonal Antibodies

• GSK2330811: A phase 2 trial in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients showed target engagement (91% serum OSM neutralization) but no clinical benefit due to IL-6 pathway redundancy. Safety concerns included dose-dependent anemia and thrombocytopenia .

Challenges and Future Directions

1. Redundancy in Cytokine Signaling: OSM and IL-6 pathways overlap, limiting therapeutic efficacy in diseases like SSc .

2. Tissue Penetration: Limited data on antibody distribution in poorly perfused tissues (e.g., fibrotic skin) .

3. Biomarker Validation: Further studies are needed to correlate OSM inhibition with clinical endpoints .