Researchers from Boston University’s Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) have announced a new collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company GSK to advance innovative research aimed at developing advanced models for studying and treating lung diseases such as pulmonary diseases. fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis, including the most common form, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is a progressive and life-threatening condition that results in scarring of the lungs, making it increasingly difficult for patients to breathe. Although the causes of this disease are complex and not yet fully understood, lung epithelial cells – particularly those lining the tiny air sacs where oxygen exchange occurs – appear to play a central role in its development.
Together with GSK, the Boston-based research team will focus on understanding how dysfunctional lung epithelial cells initiate and maintain the disease, including alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, which are responsible for maintaining the delicate architecture of the lungs.
Genetic perturbations, together with environmental factors, can lead to stressed or dysfunctional epithelial cells, which initiate a cascade of signals across immune cells and fibroblasts, ultimately leading to lung scarring. Identifying novel targets with high translational confidence therefore requires a deep understanding of the genetic and cellular basis of diseases. Working together to achieve this scientific discovery collaboration, we will combine state-of-the-art translational modeling at CReM with extensive multi-omic capabilities at GSK, to advance our understanding of causal biology of fibrotic lung disease and accelerate its development. discovery of more effective treatments – so desperately needed in this field of respiratory medicine.”
Kaivan Khavandi, MD, PhD, SVP and Global Head of Respiratory/Immunology R&D at GSK
In addition to the focus on epithelial cells, the research will take an innovative step forward through the development of next-generation in vitro models that combine lung epithelial cells with stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells.
These advanced co-culture models will mimic the complex interactions between different cell types in the lungs, creating a more realistic system to study how lung fibrosis develops. This approach will also allow scientists to identify and develop new drug targets to halt or slow the progression of the disease in an environment that closely resembles the human lung environment. Insights from this research could accelerate the development of more effective treatments for patients suffering from IPF and other forms of lung disease, potentially leading to life-saving therapies for all patients.
“Studying the crosstalk of lung epithelial and mesenchymal lineages using patient-based stem cell and organoid-based model systems represents an exciting new direction for the field,” said Darrell Kotton, MD, director of the CReM, a pulmonologist at BMC, and the David C. Seldin Professor of Medicine at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
The new collaboration is expected to create a platform that will not only potentially advance the study of lung diseases, but also strengthen drug development efforts, offering hope to the many patients affected by these conditions. “Through this collaboration, we are poised to make significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind pulmonary fibrosis, which could ultimately change the way we treat these devastating diseases,” adds Kostas Alysandratos, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the school, who is an investigator on the proposal and co-director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at BMC.
“At BMC we strive to conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research that is based on equality. 70% of our patient population identifies as people of color, and data suggests that Black patients with pulmonary fibrosis have worse health outcomes at a younger age than Hispanic or White patients. The collaboration with GSK will help develop new treatments for lung diseases that target these help address disparities and pave the way for a healthier future for all,” said Megan Bair-Merritt, MD, MSCE, Chief Scientific Officer. at BMC and a professor of pediatrics at the school.