A modest proposal: targeting αv integrin-mediated activation of latent TGFbeta as a novel therapeutic approach to treat scleroderma fibrosis

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2024 Feb 23. doi: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2323528. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: The potent profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been associated with the onset and progression of the fibrosis seen in the autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc).AREA COVERED: This review explores the data supporting the notion that TGF-β contributes to SSc fibrosis and examines why initiating clinical trials in SSc aimed at targeting integrin-mediated latent TGF-β activation is timely.EXPERT OPINION: Targeting TGF-β directly has not been proven to be clinically effective in this disease. Conversely, targeting matrix stiffness, which perpetuates fibrosis, may have more promise. Intriguingly, targeting integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β, which bridges these concepts, may have therapeutic value.PMID:38393748 | DOI:10.1080/13543784.2024.2323528
Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research