Publications by authors named "Leanne Wickens"
Matrix stiffening by lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2)-mediated collagen cross-linking is proposed as a core feedforward mechanism that promotes fibrogenesis. Failure in clinical trials of simtuzumab (the humanized version of AB0023, a monoclonal antibody against human LOXL2) suggested that targeting LOXL2 may not have disease relevance; however, target engagement was not directly evaluated. We compare the spatial transcriptome of active human lung fibrogenesis sites with different human cell culture models to identify a disease-relevant model.
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- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung disease characterized by a median survival of 2 to 4 years, primarily linked to damage in the alveolar epithelium.
- Researchers explored how the interaction between alveolar epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts contributes to fibrosis progression, identifying key signaling pathways involved.
- Their findings reveal a complex feedback loop where abnormal signaling between these cells perpetuates fibrosis, rather than normal tissue repair, suggesting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.