Targeting Pro-scarring Immune Cells Thwarts, Reduces PF in Mice

Using nanoparticles to deliver an anti-scarring RNA molecule to pro-scarring lung macrophages — a type of immune cell — prevented and reduced lung tissue fibrosis in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a study shows. To specifically target pro-fibrotic macrophages, researchers at University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICM)…

Peptide-coated Nanoparticles Limit Damage of IPF, Early Study Finds

Tiny particles, or nanoparticles, coated with a peptide called GSE4 prevented some features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and eased others in a rat model of this disease, scientists report. No harmful effects were associated with the use of these GSE4-loaded nanoparticles in the animals, the team added, suggesting they should…

Blockage of Cells’ Self-cleansing System Underlies Silica-induced PF, Study Suggests

Exposure to silica dust may trigger pulmonary fibrosis (PF) because silica particles block a self-cleansing process used by cells, termed autophagy, which drives cell death in the lungs, a study using both human cells and mice showed.  Researchers say the findings may improve…

Pulmonary Fibrosis-linked Genes Targeted by Specific Nanoparticles

Researchers recently developed new nanoparticles more efficient at delivering in vivo (living) RNA interference (RNAi) for silencing pulmonary fibrosis-associated genes. The study entitled “Self-assembled Micelle Interfering RNA for Effective and Safe Targeting of Dysregulated Genes in Pulmonary Fibrosis” was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. RNAi, a natural…