Find an -mAb

Ustekinumab is an anti-IL-12 and IL-23 IgG human monoclonal antibody that is used to treat a
variety of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation
(Cingoz, 2009). It has been found to also be used off label for the treatment of atopic dermatitis,
hidradenitis suppurtiva and other diseases. Major side effects of ustekinumab are lung
inflammation and increased risk of infection. Ustekinumab was developed by Centocor, a
subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson to treat autoimmune diseases in 2009. It is available as an
injection typically given every 12 weeks after the initial set of injections, timing depends on the
indication for treatment and patient weight (Colquhoun & Kemp, 2023).

Ustekinumab works by blocking subunit p40 which inhibits the interaction of the interleukins
binding to the receptor. This inhibits signaling and activation of cytokine production resulting in
reduced inflammation and altering the immune response (Colquhoun & Kemp, 2023).

References
1. Benson, J. M., Peritt, D., Scallon, B. J., Heavner, G. A., Shealy, D. J., Giles-Komar, J. M., & Mascelli,
M. A. (2011). Discovery and mechanism of ustekinumab: a human monoclonal antibody
targeting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 for treatment of immune-mediated disorders. MAbs,
3(6), 535-545. https://doi.org/10.4161/mabs.3.6.17815
2. Cingoz, O. (2009). Ustekinumab. MAbs, 1(3), 216-221. https://doi.org/10.4161/mabs.1.3.8593
3. Colquhoun, M., & Kemp, A. K. (2023). Ustekinumab. In StatPearls.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34033407
4. Reich, K., Yasothan, U., & Kirkpatrick, P. (2009). Ustekinumab. Nat Rev Drug Discov, 8(5), 355-356.
https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd2878

Draw IgM

This drawing is an IgM molecule, a type of antibody. The constant regions are involved in activating the immune responses. This molecule differs from soluble pentameric IgM in that it has a membrane spanning domain which anchors the molecule to the cell membrane and has glycosylation sites, where sugars are added to the protein.

Reflection

I have always been fascinated by the barrier system of our body. I want to go into veterinary medicine, which I know may change some of the ways the immune system reacts, but in general I like to believe that its not that much different. Learning more about how the epithelial layer within our gut fights off bacteria, viruses and parasites is a testament to why we do not get ill with every single thing we eat, drink and breathe. As a student this class has helped me grow in how I study and helped me learn to connect the dots between various disciplines.