Background

Localized and systemic fibrosis encompasses many diseases whose common feature is excessive accumulation of collagen fibrils. These fibrils form tough scars that disrupt normal functions of affected tissues and organs, including skin, lung, liver, kidney, eye, peripheral nerve, joint capsules, and others. Although fibrotic diseases are highly progressive and cause a significant socioeconomic burden, there are no fully effective and safe medical interventions to limit them. To address this treatment gap, Thomas Jefferson University researchers have developed an antibody-based approach to reduce the excessive formation of fibrotic deposits. This new approach explicitly targets the extracellular process of formation of collagen fibrils, the main component of all fibrotic scars. Tests done in animal models of fibrotic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis,