Invention:
This technology is directed to a method of treating fibrosis and cancer by targeting circulating cells. Researchers identified mechanoresponsive myeloid subpopulations present in fibrotic and healthy tissue. Certain subpopulations of circulating cells have been implicated in the processes of cancer and fibrosis. These subpopulations are subsequently modulated by manipulating mechanical strain in vivo and in vitro and find that specifically targeting a certain type of signaling is sufficient to reduce the pro-fibrotic subpopulations and instead restore the native, anti-inflammatory subpopulations.
Background:
Injury in all organs comprises of a coordinated process involving resident cells of the injury area as well as cells recruited from the circulation. Many recent studies have examined the importance of tissue resident fibroblast heterogeneity and mechanical signaling in healing and fibrosis. However, tissue repair also involves blood cells, part of the inflammatory response, that are recruited from the circulation. While the vast majority of circulating cells are immune cells, a rare population of cells have been identified in mammalian blood samples over two decades ago. However, since their initial description, the function, long term fate, and impact of these rare cells on peripheral tissues has been elusive. This technology seeks to explore the impact of modulation of these cells, specifically as it relates to inflammation in fibrosis and cancer.
Applications:
- Fibrosis disease states
- Renal fibrosis
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Scleroderma
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Proliferative disease
Advantages:
- Can be applicable to multiple organ systems
- Large range of applicable disorders
