Recombinant Protein and Peptides to Boost Epithelial Barrier Function and Prevent Infections

Cherpes Lab investigators discovered that recombinant ephrin-A3 or agonist ephrin-A3-derived peptides promote expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules in epithelial surfaces and improve epithelial barrier function. Topical administration of these agents in female genital tract of mice with impaired genital mucosal barrier function (i.e., mice treated with synthetic progestins or ovariectomized mice) increases genital mucosal barrier function of treated animals and decrease susceptibility to genital infections.

These discoveries have the potential to benefit women using progestin-only agents (e.g., Depo-Provera) for contraception, women that are menopausal and postmenopausal, and women with ovarian failure due to chemotherapy. In particular, decreased genital epithelial barrier function is an important risk factor for genital HIV transmission, and recombinant ephrin-A3 or agonist ephrin-A3-derived peptides enhance genital epithelial barrier function.

The researchers also found that topical administration of these agents decreases allergen-specific IgE levels in a mouse model of epicutaneous sensitization-induced atopic dermatitis. As such, these new therapeutics show promise to boost epithelial barrier function in a variety of clinical settings.

Stage of Research