10-19 – Novel Peptides for Therapeutic Treatment: Ischemia & Reperfusion Injuries, Inflammation, Cancer

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed potential therapeutic peptides to combat mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (mesenteric IR). Reperfusion is caused by an excessive immune response to an injury or reintroduction of blood to implanted or injured organs. This response in the intestine sends inflamed cells to surrounding mucosal organs. Research has shown that multiple antibodies recognizing intracellular proteins play a role in inflammation. However, β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) is the only known soluble serum protein which is recognized by the naturally occurring antibodies leading to an inflammatory response and tissue damage. As a soluble protein, development of peptides which compete for ligand or antibody binding is a logical approach to developing a therapeutic. There are currently no drugs for treating mesenteric IR or multiple organ failure. The mesenteric IR mortality rate is 70-90%. Caronda Moore caronda@ksu.edu 785-532-1366