FIGON DMD

Luke van der Koog

Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy

Luke van der Koog (1995) is currently a Ph.D. candidate supported by a competitive scholarship from the Molecular Life and Health Program of the University of Groningen. He received his Bachelor’s degree cum laude and his Master’s degree summa cum laude in Pharmacy (University of Groningen). His interest for performing fundamental research was sparked during his mater thesis, which resulted in the Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij ter Bevordering der Pharmacie (KNMP) Student Award 2020. His current research focuses on exploiting mesenchymal cell-derived extracellular vesicles and soluble factors as a regenerative therapy for effective chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment.

Presentation: Extracellular vesicles and soluble factors secreted by lung fibroblasts have a protective effect on elastase-induced emphysema in mice

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CODP) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible airflow limitation, often associated with emphysema. Key mechanisms underlying COPD are enhanced tissue destruction and defective tissue repair. As current therapeutics do not alter disease progression, new therapies that reactivate lung repair are needed. The secretome of lung fibroblasts, composed of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and soluble factors (SFs), has been linked to lung tissue repair.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of lung fibroblast (MRC5)-derived EVs and SFs on repair of elastase-induced lung injury in mice. Elastase treatment altered lung function parameters and increased the degree of tissue injury as measured by the mean linear intercept, indicative of damage to the parenchyma. Prophylactic intratracheal treatment with lung fibroblast-derived EVs and SFs attenuated elastase-induced lung tissue destruction and improved lung function parameters. In addition, treatment with EVs and SFs restored gene expression of alveolar epithelial cell markers, suggesting activated regenerative mechanisms. In conclusion, EVs and SFs secreted by lung fibroblasts are an interesting treatment to further pursue for COPD.