Keratinocyte growth factor improves alveolar barrier function: keeping claudins in line.

摘要

keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has myriad effects on alveolar epithelial cells with the potential to prevent lung injury and improve repair including: mitogenic activity, stimulating cell migration, promoting surfactant production, and improving lung fluid clearance (9, 24). In fact, KGF pretreatment has proven to have a protective effect in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis and acute lung injury. Thus, there has been considerable interest in pursuing KGF as a therapeutic approach to treating human lung disease.