Developing MG53 as a Novel Protein Therapeutic for Acute Lung Injury
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) can occur after extensive bleeding or contusion in up to 30%-50% of Soldiers and civilians. Increased microvascular permeability leads to alveolar edema and decreased gas exchange function of the lung and potentially death. Currently, there are no FDA-approved biologic treatments for ALI. MG53 is an endogenous protein present in our bloodstream that preserves cell membrane integrity and lung function under stress conditions. The lack of MG53 in animals makes them more susceptible to lung injury. Using biotechnology tools, we can produce large quantities of the recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein. The rhMG53 protein remains stable in a lyophilized powder and can be dissolved in saline solution ready for inhalation administration or intravenous infusion. We envision that rhMG53 can be applied as a front-line medication, where Service personnel would have the ability to self-administer the protein immediately after trauma via inhalation, in a fashion similar to a rescue inhaler used for asthma. Ventilator-mediated inhalation of rhMG53 can also be applied during transport of patients from the site of injury to the hospital, to preserve the lung function during the early phase of trauma. When reaching the medical care station/hospital, intravenous infusion of rhMG53 can be co-administered with aerosolized rhMG53. Through this combined inhalation and systemic delivery of rhMG53, we can achieve an effective dual-pronged approach to treat ALI. The proof-of-concept data generated from this project, if positive, can form the basis for gaining approval from the FDA, toward bringing the basic biological findings into a potential effective therapy for human ALI patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810787
Entities
People
- Jianjie Ma
Organizations
- Ohio State University
- United States Army