Therapeutic potential of a phospholipase D1 inhibitory peptide fused with a cell-penetrating peptide as a novel anti-asthmatic drug in a Der f 2-induced airway inflammation model

Abstract

Allergic asthma: Drug to tackle allergy-triggered inflammation A drug that targets a key enzyme involved in airway tissue inflammation shows promise in the treatment of allergic asthma. The enzyme phospholipase D1 (PLD1) triggers airway inflammation in allergic asthma brought on by house dust mites. Joong-Soo Han at Hanyang University in Seoul, Eung-Gook Kim at Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea, and co-workers have developed a treatment aimed at suppressing PLD1 and trialed the drug on mouse models of dust-mite allergy. The team designed a carrier system capable of accurately delivering a PLD1-inhibitory peptide to airway tissues and cells. They found that airway inflammation was significantly reduced in the treated mice. The drug appeared to be relatively safe when used in repeated doses, although further investigations are needed to verify this. The team hope their treatment will improve therapies for allergic asthma.