COVID-19 Respiratory Failure: Targeting Inflammation on VV-ECMO Support.

The outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19 has led to unprecedented efforts at containment due to its rapid community spread, associated mortality, and lack of immunization and treatment. We herein detail a case of a young patient who suffered life-threatening disease and multiorgan failure. His clinical course involved rapid and profound respiratory decompensation such that he required support with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO).

Role of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein in mouse lung.

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP, or Endo180) is a transmembrane endocytic receptor that mediates collagen internalization and degradation. uPARAP may be a novel pathway for collagen turnover and matrix remodeling in the lung. The function of uPARAP in lung injury has not been described.

uPARAP expression during murine lung development.

Lung remodeling requires active collagen deposition and degradation. Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP), or Endo 180, is a cell-surface receptor for collagens, which leads to collagen internalization and degradation. Thus, uPARAP-mediated collagen degradation is an additional pathway for matrix remodeling in addition to matrix remodeling mediated by matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins.

Expression of the integrin subunit alpha8 in murine lung development.

The complex interplay between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is critical for lung development. Integrins are key modulators of this interaction. The integrin subunit alpha 8 associates with the beta(1)-subunit to form an RGD-binding integrin.