Restoring the production of the VEGFA protein using special molecules helps regenerate blood vessels in the lungs after flu or coronavirus. Animal tests have shown that this strategy improves the animals’ lung function. The results were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
In previous studies, scientists found that the absence of the TGFBR2 protein stopped the activation of the VEGF-A protein. This impaired the ability of lung blood vessel cells to proliferate.
In a new study, biologists developed lipid nanoparticles to deliver VEGFA mRNA into lung vascular cells. They were tested on animals. Researchers observed an increase in oxygen levels, and some people were even able to gain weight faster after lung damage from viral infections. He also had less scarring on his lungs.
Scientists believe that their development may be effective in repairing the lungs not only after viruses, but also in emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diseases characteristic of smokers. However, for validation, the VEGFA delivery platform will need to be tested in other lung cell types.
Previously derived stem cell cartilage restored rat joints.