Duke-NUS study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have identified specific proteins within immune cells that, when blocked, could significantly reduce or reverse scarring in lung tissue. This finding offers new hope in treating pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung condition that makes breathing increasingly difficult and diminishes quality of life.

Current treatments for pulmonary fibrosis primarily focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of the disease. The research aimed to understand how macrophages, a type of immune cell, contribute to inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

The study revealed that the YAP and TAZ proteins in macrophages can contribute to harmful scarring. By blocking these proteins, researchers observed a reduction in scarring in a preclinical model. This was achieved by dampening the recruitment of inflammatory immune cells to the lungs, restoring a healthier balance of immune cell types, and disrupting harmful communication between macrophages and fibroblasts.

"This breakthrough not only deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary fibrosis but could also lead to treatments that halt or even reverse lung scarring in the disease," said Dr Md Masum Mia, the study's first author. The research team is now exploring the viability of therapies targeting YAP and TAZ for treating pulmonary fibrosis.