Barrier Function in Asthma

The airway epithelium acts as a physical barrier that protects the internal milieu of the lung against the inhaled environment. Synairgen's researchers have evidence that the epithelial barrier is compromised in asthma. This defect can be recapitulated using our proprietary in vitro cell models of asthma. Epithelial barrier function has been shown to lower in asthmatic cultures at baseline (i.e in the absence of any environmental challenge). The increased permeability of the asthmatic epithelium may compromise the epithelial barrier and may make it more susceptible to insults from environmental agents. These include known triggers of asthma, such as respiratory infection, tobacco smoke, pollutants and allergen exposure which will impact on the epithelium.

Our aims are to use our proprietary technology platform to identify growth factors and compounds capable of normalising barrier function in asthma and reducing epithelial permeability both at baseline and in response to noxious agents . Synairgen is investigating further the molecular mechanisms leading to altered barrier function in asthma in order to identify other novel therapeutic targets (See Barrier Function Lesion)

Barrier Function Screen

Synairgen in-licensed an in vitro model/screening assay from the University of Southampton to identify compounds capable of normalising barrier function in asthma. Synairgen has identified that the barrier in asthma is ‘leaky’ and will make the epithelium more susceptible to damage from environmental agents. Synairgen uses this patented barrier function observation as a platform to screen for products which might restore barrier integrity in asthma.  Using this target pipeline technology, we have identified two growth factors, selective for epithelial cells, that can be developed as potential therapies (see Growth Factor development programme).

Barrier Function Lesion

Synairgen scientists are using asthmatic cells and tissue from the Biobank to help elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the barrier function lesion observed in asthma.  A better understanding of the mechanism by which growth factors, such as our lead candidate in development, may lead to the identification of further novel drug targets.