Ustekinumab is a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that exerts its dual-target inhibitory effects by specifically targeting the common p40 subunit shared by the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23. The specific mechanisms are as follows:

Target Binding Characteristics

• Both IL-12 and IL-23 are heterodimeric cytokines. IL-12 is composed of p35 and p40 subunits (p35/p40), while IL-23 consists of p19 and p40 subunits (p19/p40).
• Ustekinumab binds with high affinity to the p40 subunit, thereby blocking the interaction of IL-12 with its receptor (IL-12Rβ1/β2) and IL-23 with its receptor (IL-23R/IL-12Rβ1).

Signaling Pathway Inhibition

• Inhibition of the IL-12 pathway: Reduces Th1 cell differentiation and IFN-γ production.
• Inhibition of the IL-23 pathway: Disrupts Th17 cell activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-22.

Dual-Target Inhibitor Property

• Due to the shared p40 subunit, Ustekinumab simultaneously antagonizes the biological activities of both IL-12 and IL-23, classifying it as a dual-target inhibitor.

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Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to the p40 subunit shared by the cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). This prevents these cytokines from interacting with their receptor (IL-12Rβ1) on immune cells, blocking the downstream signaling pathways that drive inflammation in conditions like psoriasis and Crohn's disease.

Yes, it's considered a dual-target inhibitor because it simultaneously neutralizes both IL-12 and IL-23 through their common subunit, providing a broader anti-inflammatory effect than single-target therapies.