IL-18 Binding Protein Shows Promise in Suppressing Fibrosis in MASH: New Study Published in Cell Reports Medicine
A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine (April 2025) reports that treatment with an IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) significantly suppresses the progression of fibrosis in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The findings highlight IL-18BP as a potential new therapeutic strategy for managing MASH.
In this preclinical study, IL-18BP was administered toSTAM™ mice to evaluate its impact on liver fibrosis. Results demonstrated a marked reduction in fibrosis markers and attenuation of fibrotic progression. Mechanistically, IL-18BP inhibits the signaling of interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, thereby reducing liver inflammation and tissue damage.
These results underscore the therapeutic potential of IL-18BP in treating MASH, a condition currently lacking effective anti-fibrotic therapies. The findings also reinforce the value of advanced preclinical platforms—such as the STAM™ mice provided by SMC Laboratories—for translational research in liver disease and fibrosis.
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