Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) play a fundamental role in the embryonic development of the lung. Aberrant PDGF signalling has been documented convincingly in a large variety of pulmonary diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung cancer and lung fibrosis. Targeting PDGF signalling has been proven to be effective in these diseases. In clinical practice, the most effective way to block PDGF signalling is to inhibit the activity of the intracellular PDGFR kinases. Although the mechanism of action of such drugs is not specific for PDGF signalling, the medications have a broad therapeutic index that allows clinical use. The safety profile and therapeutic opportunities of these and future medications that target PDGFs and PDGFRs are reviewed.
Abstract
An increasing role for PDGF signalling inhibitors in clinical trials for the treatment of various pulmonary diseases http://ow.ly/buaI30f9HcN
Footnotes
Support statement: C. Strange has received research funding to the Medical University of South Carolina from Novartis.
Conflict of interest: Disclosures can be found alongside this article at err.ersjournals.com
Provenance: Submitted article, peer reviewed.
- Received May 18, 2017.
- Accepted August 5, 2017.
- Copyright ©ERS 2017.
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