Leptin Reduction as a Potent Mitigative Strategy for the Treatment of PASC
Philipp E. Scherer, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Project Overview
Introduction: We aimed to directly test the hypothesis that reducing plasma leptin levels has a positive impact on the immune system and fibrosis. Leptin is a potent pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory factor. We aimed to better establish the anti-inflammatory actions of leptin neutralization.
Objective: Does leptin neutralization reduce fibrosis, particularly in the lung.
Methods: We evaluated the therapeutic potential of neutralizing leptin with this antibody across distinct mouse models of fibrosis affecting the kidney, liver, lung, heart, and blood vessels, respectively.
Results: Leptin neutralization markedly inhibited fibrosis progression in all models. Mechanistically, suppression of leptin activity reduces pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes, underscoring its therapeutic potential.
Conclusion/Discussion: These findings suggest that leptin signaling plays a vital role in tissue fibrosis and that treatment with a leptin-neutralizing antibody may be a promising therapeutic approach.
Key Topics:
- Assay and in vitro studies to gain mechanistic insights
- Biomarker, in-depth phenotyping assays and in vitro studies using tissue and other biospecimens
- Chronic immune dysfunction
- Therapeutic targets and drug development