Atheron Therapeutics announced that it will present updates on the advancement of two key programs at the upcoming EAACI Congress 2026, to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, 12 - 15 June 2026: an ITK inhibitor for Th2-driven diseases and MRGPRX2 inhibitor for mast cell-driven diseases.

ITK is a member of the TEC family of kinases and plays important roles in TCR signaling and T cell differentiation. ITK knockout mice show defects in Th2 differentiation, while retaining the ability to differentiate into Th1 cells, a phenomenon known as Th1 skewing. It is generally accepted that Th1 cells are the primary Th cell subtype associated with tumor elimination. ITK and RLK double knockout in T cells has a more substantial signaling defect, resulting in a profound loss of normal T cell function. Thus, it holds great therapeutic promise to treat Th2-driven diseases with selective ITK inhibitors while sparing RLK.

Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) is a class A GPCR expressed on mast cells. Mast cells are granulated tissue-resident cells known for host cell response, allergic response, and vascular homeostasis. Immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI)-mediated mast cell activation is a well-studied and recognized mechanism of allergy and hypersensitivity reactions. MRGPRX2 was discovered as the receptor responsible for non-IgE-mediated mast cells activation. MRGPRX2 is mainly expressed on mast cells and exhibits varying affinity for many molecules such as antimicrobial host defense peptides, neuropeptides, and even US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. Therefore, the development of MRGPRX2 inhibitors will provide new therapeutic options for mast cell-associated diseases.

 

Poster Details:

Title:  ATH-409, a selective and covalent ITK inhibitor, protects against atopic dermatitis in preclinical models

Poster Session: Dermatology 01

Session Time: Friday, June 12th, 12:00 - 13:00

Location: Poster Zoom

Poster Prefix Number: D1.240

 

Flash talk Details:

Title:  ATH-004 potently inhibits MRGPRX2-mediated mast cell degranulation in vitro and in vivo

Session: Flash talks

Session Time: Monday, June 15th, 09:45 - 11:15

Location: Room Athens