Merck logo

Merck

Last updated January 31, 2026
124
Innovation Areas
5,362
Inventors
47
Collaborations

Il4i1 enzyme inhibitors: MerckRecent Research Landscape

Tumor-mediated immune suppression via L-amino acid oxidase activity prevents effective T-cell responses. These inhibitors block the enzymatic degradation of phenylalanine to restore local immune surveillance.

What technical problems is Merck addressing in Il4i1 enzyme inhibitors?

Tumor immune evasion

(6)evidences

The suppression of immune responses by IL4I1 and inhibitory receptors like ILT3/ILT4 prevents effective anti-tumor activity. Overcoming this suppression restores the immune system's ability to identify and eliminate malignant cells.

Systemic toxicity and off-target activation

(2)evidences

Wild-type IL-2 causes severe off-target inflammatory side effects and vascular leak syndrome. Engineering muteins reduces these lethal toxicities while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.