Inhibition of TNF by a TNF receptor immunoadhesin. Comparison to an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody.

TNF is an important mediator of inflammation, which can have deleterious effects when produced inappropriately. We have described a recombinant inhibitor of TNF, termed TNFR-IgG, or TNFR immunoadhesin, composed of the extracellular portion of the type 1 (p55) TNF receptor (TNFR) linked to the hinge and Fc regions of IgG heavy chain. This bivalent, Ab-like molecule is a potent inhibitor of TNF, exhibiting significantly higher affinity for the cytokine than soluble TNFR. Here, we compare the TNF-neutralizing capacity of TNFR-IgG to that of an anti-TNF mAb. In vitro, TNFR-IgG was 10- to 50-fold more potent than anti-TNF mAb at blocking the cytotoxic effect of exogenous TNF on actinomycin D-treated murine L-M cells. In vivo, the plasma half-life of TNFR-IgG in mice was approximately 6 days, similar to that reported for the anti-TNF mAb. However, the immunoadhesin was approximately 10-fold more effective than the Ab at neutralizing the activity of endogenous TNF, as assessed in a model for murine listeriosis. These results demonstrate a markedly greater potency of the TNFR immunoadhesin compared with the anti-TNF mAb at inhibiting TNF activity in vitro and in vivo.