Inhibition of integrin alpha(v)beta6, an activator of latent transforming growth factor-beta, prevents radiation-induced lung fibrosis

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 Jan 1;177(1):82-90. doi: 10.1164/rccm.200706-806OC. Epub 2007 Oct 4.

Abstract

Rationale: In experimental models, lung fibrosis is dependent on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling. TGF-beta is secreted in a latent complex with its propeptide, and TGF-beta activators release TGF-beta from this complex. Because the integrin alpha(v)beta6 is a major TGF-beta activator in the lung, inhibition of alpha(v)beta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is a logical strategy to treat lung fibrosis.

Objectives: To determine, by genetic and pharmacologic approaches, whether murine radiation-induced lung fibrosis is dependent on alpha(v)beta6.

Methods: Wild-type mice, alpha(v)beta6-deficient (Itgb6-/-) mice, and mice heterozygous for a Tgfb1 mutation that eliminates integrin-mediated activation (Tgfb1(+/RGE)) were exposed to 14 Gy thoracic radiation. Some mice were treated with an anti-alpha(v)beta6 monoclonal antibody or a soluble TGF-beta receptor fusion protein. Alpha(v)beta6 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis, inflammation, and gene expression patterns were assessed 20-32 weeks postirradiation.

Measurements and main results: Beta6 integrin expression increased within the alveolar epithelium 18 weeks postirradiation, just before onset of fibrosis. Itgb6-/- mice were completely protected from fibrosis, but not from late radiation-induced mortality. Anti-alpha(v)beta6 therapy (1-10 mg/kg/wk) prevented fibrosis, but only higher doses (6-10 mg/kg/wk) caused lung inflammation similar to that in Itgb6-/- mice. Tgfb1-haploinsufficient mice were also protected from fibrosis.

Conclusions: Alpha(v)beta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is required for radiation-induced lung fibrosis. Together with previous data, our results demonstrate a robust requirement for alpha(v)beta6 in distinct fibrosis models. Inhibition of alphavbeta6-mediated TGF-beta activation is a promising new approach for antifibrosis therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / pharmacology*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Haplotypes
  • Heterozygote
  • Integrins / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / drug effects
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / pathology
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / genetics
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / pathology
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / genetics
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / pathology
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / prevention & control*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Integrins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • integrin alphavbeta6