Cathepsin C Inhibition in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition that causes high blood pressure in the lungs and affects the blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to heart problems and other complications. As more people are diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and because current treatments show limited effectivness, finding new therapies is more urgent than ever. Scientists are now exploring how the immune system plays a role in causing PAH. It turns out that certain immune cells release enzymes that can damage tissues and cause long-lasting inflammation in the lungs. In our research, we have found that a protein called cathepsin C (CtsC), which activates these potentially harmful enzymes, is higher in the lung tissue and blood vessels of patients with PAH. This study aims to understand how CtsC contributes to the development of PAH and whether blocking its activity could offer a new way to treat this condition. We will look at how CtsC-related inflammation affects the blood vessels in PAH using a variety of methods. These include experiments with in vivo studies, in vitro studies, and computer simulations to better understand how CtsC works. To make sure our findings are relevant to patients, we will also study samples from patients with PAH. Throughout our research, we will be investigating other possible roles of CtsC in lung function and how it interacts with different molecules in the body. A dedicated team of experts will conduct this work. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and skills essential for this important research. The insights gained could pave the way for new treatment options for PAH and potentially lead to future clinical trials.