RORγt
RORγt Ligand Binding Domain
(click to expand)
Binding Domain
Lycera has developed a proprietary program that targets T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, a unique subset of CD4+ T cells. Th17 cells are characterized by the production of interleukin-17 (IL-17), a highly inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (colitis) and asthma. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) is the key transcription factor that orchestrates the differentiation of Th17 cells, inducing transcription of the genes encoding IL-17. Mice with RORγt deficient T cells have attenuated disease and lack tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells. Hence, RORγt is a key regulator of immune homeostasis and is a potential therapeutic target for immune diseases. Using proprietary, in-house developed assays, Lycera has identified novel, potent and specific inhibitors of RORγt that reduce IL-17 production in primary cells and in vivo.
