What is it about?
The paper describes the action of a virus model (polyI:C) on the lining of lung cells (bronchial epithelial cells) followed using time-lapse microscopy. MMP‐13 (an enzyme involved in collagen restructuring) and endothelin (a vasoconstricting peptide involved in lung and other diseases) were also released. Inhibitors of MMP‐13 activity (WAY 170523) and expression (dimethyl fumarate) significantly enhanced the rate of repair. Bosentan (an endothelin receptor drug) enhanced the rate of bronchial epithelial repair by a mechanism that was independent of MMP‐13.
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Why is it important?
Bronchial epithelial repair is limited by endothelin and by MMP‐13, a protease that degrades coagulation factors, such as fibrinogen, and matrix proteins essential for epithelial repair. Further studies with primary cells from patients are needed to confirm whether repurposing bosentan and inhibitors of MMP‐13 expression or activity, for inhalation may be useful therapeutic strategies in diseases where repeated cycles of epithelial injury and repair occur, such as in asthma and COPD.
Perspectives
A free post-print version of the paper is available for download from the resources section (right-hand-side panel).
Dr James R Smith
University of Portsmouth
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Targeting matrix metalloproteinase-13 in bronchial epithelial repair, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, July 2018, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/cea.13215.
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