Dupilumab is approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ≥6 months. It works by blocking the shared receptor subunit for IL-4 and IL-13. Which specific receptor subunit does dupilumab target?

• A IL-13Rα1 subunit
• B IL-2Rγ (common gamma chain)
• C IL-4Rα (alpha) subunit ✓
• D IL-31Rα subunit

Explanation

Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4Rα (IL-4 receptor alpha) subunit, which is the shared component of the Type I IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα + γc) and the Type II receptor (IL-4Rα + IL-13Rα1). By blocking IL-4Rα, dupilumab simultaneously inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13 signalling — the key Th2 cytokines driving atopic dermatitis inflammation, IgE class switching, and barrier dysfunction. Nemolizumab targets IL-31Rα for prurigo nodularis and AD. Tralokinumab specifically targets IL-13 alone.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.