SCIENCE

Our Science: Powered by CC16

CC16-derived Small Peptidomimetics Library

Aspiro Therapeutics has successfully developed a library of small peptidomimetics inspired by the active regions of the CC16 protein.

The CC16 dimer exhibits a well-defined crystal structure that binds to inflammatory cell receptors with high affinity. Building on this understanding, we designed our CC16-inspired peptidomimetics to replicate this high-affinity binding, targeting receptors on inflammatory cells effectively.

This foundational work has been instrumental in the development of our advanced screening assay.

The Screening Assay

Our screening assay evaluates the efficacy of compounds in reducing inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs. By identifying compounds that lower inflammatory cell infiltration, we aim to provide new therapeutic options for COPD and asthma patients, particularly those with heightened airway inflammation.

Advantages of our screening assay:

A Comprehensive Research Approach: Insights from Human, Animal, and Mechanistic Studies

Human Studies

Circulating CC16 is reduced in patients with diminished lung function, whether they have had lower lung function since childhood or their lung function quickly decreased in adulthood, leading to COPD.
COPD and asthma cases have CC16 deficits both in their blood and lungs.
Genetic variants associated with low CC16 levels increase the risk of lung disease.

Animal Studies

Lack of CC16 in the lungs increases the risk for COPD- and asthma-like disease
Administration of CC16 or CC16-derived mimetics reduces cellular inflammation in the lungs by reducing the presence of inflammatory cells (neutrophils and eosinophils), the presence of inflammatory cytokines (TNF and KC), airway constriction, and airway remodeling
CC16 reduces the expression of mucus producing genes like Muc5ac that affect the outcomes of COPD
Reduction of cellular inflammation would help treat COPD and asthma patients

Mechanistic Studies

An active region of CC16 that binds to integrin complexes
By binding the integrin receptor on inflammatory cells in the bloodstream, CC16 prevents their migration into the lung
By binding the integrin receptor on epithelial cells, CC16 promotes defensive responses against respiratory pathogens

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Our team is dedicated to revolutionizing treatment for obstructive lung diseases. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate to drive innovation for treating and preventing COPD.