TYK2 program
TYK2 is expressed in immune cells, including T cells and brain resident microglia
Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is an intracellular kinase that interacts with cell surface receptors and plays a critical role in immune activation and the subsequent inflammatory response.
Myrobalan’s CNS-TYK2 inhibitor mechanism of action
When inflammatory cytokines bind to their receptors, TYK2 activates, initiating a cascade of intracellular events that alter gene expression and promote the release of additional pro-inflammatory cytokines from T cells and microglia.
TYK2 activation promotes the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells and increases the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from T cells and microglia. This causes neuroinflammation in the central nervous system and contributes to neurodegeneration.
Myrobalan’s brain-penetrant allosteric TYK2 inhibitor demonstrates robust suppression of inflammatory cascades with minimal off-target effects. Preliminary data reveal superior potency and exceptional blood-brain barrier penetration, while maintaining high selectivity against other Janus kinases (JAKs).