3-hydroxykynurenamine

3-hydroxykynurenamine (3HKA) is a novel anti-inflammatory biogenic amine and a metabolite of the tryptophan catabolism pathway, specifically a lateral product of the kynurenine pathway. It is naturally produced and secreted by lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and dendritic cells (DCs). 3HKA exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the STAT1 and NF-kB signaling pathways, which results in the downregulated expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-12p70, and TNF-alpha. In preclinical models, 3HKA has shown efficacy in treating psoriasis by reducing skin thickness and scaling, and in nephrotoxic lupus by improving renal function and proteinuria. It is currently being developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine as a potential treatment for various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Other names

3-hydroxykynurenamine