The Role of EMAP II in Viral-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Abstract
Viral lung infections, including the influenza virus ("the flu"), are the leading cause of serious lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a life-threatening condition involving a stereotypical set of symptoms associated with respiratory failure in response to lung damage. This proposal addresses the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program topic areas of acute lung injury/ARDS caused by influenza and adenovirus infections. The progression of viral lung infections to ARDS is associated with increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity for years after recovery, and significant mortality. Military personnel are highly susceptible to outbreaks of viral-induced respiratory infections because of stressful and confined living and working conditions and exposure to respiratory pathogens in disease-endemic deployment regions. Furthermore, military personnel are at risk for being targeted for attack with viral biological weapons. In 2014, 270,000 military personnel were affected by viral respiratory infections resulting in 80,000 days of lost work and a significant economic and healthcare burden. Current therapies, including vaccines and antiviral drugs, do not protect against all viral strains, nor do they adequately treat lung infections and their severe consequences. Thus, novel medicines that will protect active-duty military personnel from viral induced lung injury and ARDS are necessary. We propose to investigate the role of endothelial monocyte activating protein II (EMAP II), in virus-induced ARDS. We present evidence for the involvement of EMAP II in the lung-damaging effects of influenza. We will test a novel anti-EMAP II antibody in animal models of influenza- and adenovirus-induced lung injury. We will also elucidate the biological mechanism of action of EMAP II in viral-induced ARDS. The results of these pioneer experiments will provide a foundation for future studies to validate an EMAP II antibody as a novel medicine for ARDS. This therapy has the potential to decrease the severity of disease and mortality due to viral infection. An EMAP II mAb will represent a substantial innovation and improvement over current treatments and has the potential to confer lung protection in the Armed Forces from both community-acquired respiratory viruses and viral biological weapons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1710177
Entities
People
- Matthias Clauss
Organizations
- United States Army