Therapeutic peptide composition and methods of treatment

Abstract

During lung fibrosis, activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, is accompanied by the increased assembly of extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and collagen. Activated myofibroblasts are key drivers of fibrosis; and increased deposition of the assembled matrix proteins, preserves the myofibroblast state. These changes contribute to enhanced tissue stiffness, collagenous deposition known as fibroblastic foci in lung and therefore, established pulmonary fibrosis. The present invention identifies a novel function of the 40 amino acid SOCS domain peptide (SEQ ID NO:1), in degrading the pathologic fibronectin and collagen matrix associated with fibrosis, markedly reducing the myofibroblast protein α-SMA and reducing collagen deposits in the fibrotic lung, leading to fibrosis reversal. Use of the SOCS domain peptide is a new approach to treat lung fibrosis as it restricts extracellular matrix assembly and reverses myofibroblasts to fibroblasts.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.