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ABSTRACT: Rationale
In experimental models, lung fibrosis is dependent on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling. TGF-beta is secreted in a latent complex with its propeptide, and TGF-beta activators release TGF-beta from this complex. Because the integrin alpha(v)beta6 is a major TGF-beta activator in the lung, inhibition of alpha(v)beta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is a logical strategy to treat lung fibrosis.Objectives
To determine, by genetic and pharmacologic approaches, whether murine radiation-induced lung fibrosis is dependent on alpha(v)beta6.Methods
Wild-type mice, alpha(v)beta6-deficient (Itgb6-/-) mice, and mice heterozygous for a Tgfb1 mutation that eliminates integrin-mediated activation (Tgfb1(+/RGE)) were exposed to 14 Gy thoracic radiation. Some mice were treated with an anti-alpha(v)beta6 monoclonal antibody or a soluble TGF-beta receptor fusion protein. Alpha(v)beta6 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis, inflammation, and gene expression patterns were assessed 20-32 weeks postirradiation.Measurements and main results
Beta6 integrin expression increased within the alveolar epithelium 18 weeks postirradiation, just before onset of fibrosis. Itgb6-/- mice were completely protected from fibrosis, but not from late radiation-induced mortality. Anti-alpha(v)beta6 therapy (1-10 mg/kg/wk) prevented fibrosis, but only higher doses (6-10 mg/kg/wk) caused lung inflammation similar to that in Itgb6-/- mice. Tgfb1-haploinsufficient mice were also protected from fibrosis.Conclusions
Alpha(v)beta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is required for radiation-induced lung fibrosis. Together with previous data, our results demonstrate a robust requirement for alpha(v)beta6 in distinct fibrosis models. Inhibition of alphavbeta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is a promising new approach for antifibrosis therapy.
SUBMITTER: Puthawala K
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2176115 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Puthawala Khalid K Hadjiangelis Nicos N Jacoby Steven C SC Bayongan Emmanuel E Zhao Zhicheng Z Yang Zhiwei Z Devitt Mary Louise ML Horan Gerald S GS Weinreb Paul H PH Lukashev Matvey E ME Violette Shelia M SM Grant Kristen S KS Colarossi Cristina C Formenti Silvia C SC Munger John S JS
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine 20071004 1
<h4>Rationale</h4>In experimental models, lung fibrosis is dependent on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling. TGF-beta is secreted in a latent complex with its propeptide, and TGF-beta activators release TGF-beta from this complex. Because the integrin alpha(v)beta6 is a major TGF-beta activator in the lung, inhibition of alpha(v)beta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is a logical strategy to treat lung fibrosis.<h4>Objectives</h4>To determine, by genetic and pharmacologic approaches, whe ...[more]