Therapeutic Properties of the Designer Cytokine IC7Fc to Treat Metabolic Diseases

This study explores the therapeutic potential of the designer cytokine IC7Fc in metabolic diseases in both periphery and central nervous systems (CNS), with a specific focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Utilizing different mouse models, we delivered IC7Fc peripherally and centrally, and demonstrated that IC7Fc is potent in improving energy homeostasis when delivered in both ways. It signals exclusively in classical signalling pathway in periphery, thus, is an anti-inflammatory and viable treatment for metabolic diseases. However, both classical and trans-signalling pathways might participate in its central effects. IC7Fc is also effective in improving MASH progression in a dose-dependent manner and could be developed into a potential therapy for MASH in the future.