Natalizumab
TysabriRCSB PDB 4IRZ · 3D model
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A lab-made antibody that blocks certain immune cells from squeezing into the brain, spinal cord, or gut lining, calming the inflammation that drives MS relapses and Crohn's flares.
How it works
Immune cells normally travel through the blood and grip onto blood vessel walls using a docking protein, letting them climb into tissues like the brain or gut when there's inflammation. Natalizumab is an antibody that sticks to that docking protein and jams it, so the immune cells can't grab on and slip through the vessel wall. With fewer aggressive immune cells getting into the brain, MS relapses are reduced; with fewer getting into the gut, Crohn's inflammation eases.
What it’s used for
Used on its own to treat relapsing types of MS in adults, helping cut down flare-ups. Also used for adults with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease when standard treatments haven't worked well enough.
- Mechanism
- Alpha-4 integrin antagonist (mAb)
- Drug class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Neurology / Gastroenterology