|
||
| |||||||
|
CD44 mimics as candidates for the treatment of asthma Asthma is now thought to affect 155 million people worldwide. In the United States alone there has been a two-fold increase in the number of cases of asthma driving market values up as high as $8 billion worldwide. Despite a large number of drugs available to clinicians, up to 15% of patients suffer from uncontrollable disease symptoms, increasing the demand for novel therapies that possess new modes of action. While asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways involving mediator release from mast cells and eosinophils and orchestrated by T cells, inflammation alone is insufficient to explain the chronic nature of the disease and its progression. Defective airway repair has been proposed to represent an additional pathophysiological feature of asthma. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) appears to be a key factor in bronchial epithelial repair; it stimulates epithelial cell proliferation and migration. The 3v isoform of the cell-surface adhesion molecule and hyaluronan receptor CD44 is overexpressed in damaged epithelium and seems to regulate the repair response by presenting EGF more efficiently to its receptor. With this in mind, Yale researchers have examined whether CD44 plays a role in resolving lung inflammation. CD44-deficient mice succumb to unremitting inflammation following noninfectious lung injury, characterized by impaired clearance of apoptotic neutrophils, persistent accumulation of hyaluronan fragments at the site of tissue injury, and impaired activation of transforming growth factor-beta1. This phenotype was partially reversed by reconstitution with CD44+ cells, thus demonstrating a critical role for this receptor in resolving lung inflammation. A number of CD44 antagonists are currently in development, mostly for the treatment of cancer (see "Focus on Metastasis" section of this edition of TherapeuticAdvances), however few CD44 mimics have appeared despite their potential in stimulating the repair of damaged airway. This therapeutic area deserves further industrial attention. Link to journal abstract:
Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
|
| ||||||||
