American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Nov 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialA Phase IIb Randomized Study of an Anti-αvβ6 Monoclonal Antibody in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Rationale: Treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are limited. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BG00011, an anti-αvβ6 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of patients with IPF. Methods: In a phase IIb randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with IPF (FVC ⩾50% predicted, on or off background therapy) were randomized 1:1 to once-weekly subcutaneous BG00011 56 mg or placebo. ⋯ Conclusions: The results do not support the continued clinical development of BG00011. Further research is warranted to identify new treatment strategies that modify inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in IPF. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03573505).
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Nov 2022
ReviewMechanistic Insights into the Impact of Air Pollution on Pneumococcal Pathogenesis and Transmission.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is the leading cause of pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. A number of recent studies indicate an association between the incidence of pneumococcal disease and exposure to air pollution. Although the epidemiological evidence is substantial, the underlying mechanisms by which the various components of air pollution (particulate matter and gases such as NO2 and SO2) can increase susceptibility to pneumococcal infection are less well understood. ⋯ This increases recruitment of innate immune cells, including macrophages and neutrophils. The inflammatory response that ensues may result in significant tissue damage, thereby increasing susceptibility to invasive disease, because it allows S. pneumoniae access to the underlying tissues and blood. This review provides an in-depth understanding of the interaction between air pollution and the pneumococcus, which has the potential to aid the development of novel treatments or alternative strategies to prevent disease, especially in areas with high concentrations of air pollution.