Pharmacologic inhibition of MEK1/2 reduces lung inflammation without impairing bacterial clearance in experimental pneumonia.

This study was designed to test the therapeutic potential of a MEK1/2 inhibitor (MEKi) in an experimental model of pneumonia. The study found that treatment with MEKi reduced alveolar neutrophilic inflammation and led to faster recovery of weight compared to carrier-treated mice, without impairing bacterial clearance. Alveolar macrophages isolated from MEKi-treated mice also had increased M2 gene and protein expression, supporting the concept that MEKi modulates in vivo macrophage inflammatory responses. In summary, this report demonstrates the potential of MEKi to promote the resolution of inflammation in vivo during a primary lung infection without impairing bacterial clearance.