Beyond TGFβ1 - novel treatment strategies targeting lung fibrosis

Claudia Sim; Emma Lamanna; Frank Cirnigliaro; Maggie Lam

doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106090

Beyond TGFβ1 - novel treatment strategies targeting lung fibrosis

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2021 Dec:141:106090. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106090. Epub 2021 Oct 1.

Authors

Claudia Sim¹, Emma Lamanna¹, Frank Cirnigliaro¹, Maggie Lam²

Affiliations

¹ Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia.
² Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: maggie.lam@monash.edu.

PMID: 34601088
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106090

Abstract

Fibrosis is a key feature of chronic lung diseases and occurs as a consequence of aberrant wound healing. TGFβ1 plays a major role in promoting fibrosis and is the primary target of current treatments that slow, but do not halt or reverse the progression of disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that additional mechanisms, including excessive airway contraction, inflammation and infections including COVID-19, can contribute to fibrosis. This review summarises experimental and clinical studies assessing the potential beneficial effects of novel drugs that possess a unique suite of complementary actions to oppose contraction, inflammation and remodelling, along with evidence that they also limit fibrosis. Translation of these promising findings is critical for the repurposing and development of improved therapeutics for fibrotic lung diseases.

Keywords: Asthma; COVID-19; Fibrosis; IPF; Pulmonary hypertension.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

COVID-19
Fibrosis
Humans
Lung* / pathology
Transforming Growth Factor beta1*

Substances

Transforming Growth Factor beta1