Shuwei Lu, Mohd A. Khan, Saini Setua, Quintin O’Boyle, Kiruphagaran Thangaraju, Pedro Cabrales, Delaney C. Swindle, David C. Irwin, Paul W. Buehler, Andre F. Palmer
Ohio State University. University of Maryland School of Medicine. University of California San Diego. University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus.
United States
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Biotechnol Bioeng 2025;
DOI: 10.1002/bit.70012
Abstract
Plasma transferrin (Tf) is the transport protein central to the process of iron recycling and metabolism. Holo-Tf serves as the body’s pool of ferric iron, facilitating transport from tissues such as the intestine, liver, spleen, and finally bone marrow, where iron is incorporated into erythropoiesis. In sickle cell disease (SCD), iron overload is primarily caused by chronic blood transfusions in patients at risk of stroke or frequent acute pain crisis. However, we have identified that pulmonary vascular iron accumulation, independent of transfusion, is a driver of pulmonary hypertension in SCD patients and murine models. Therefore, we hypothesize that intra-pulmonary administration of apo-Tf localizes the protein to sites of iron accumulation within the lung, where reactive iron-driven pathology develops. This approach to therapeutic development focuses on optimizing administration using aerosol drug delivery, which can increase clinical compliance compared to subcutaneous or intravenous administration. The goal of this study was to purify apo-Tf using a novel process, perform biochemical characterization on the material, and test the proof of concept that apo-Tf protein can be delivered to lung regions where iron accumulation occurs in SCD pulmonary hypertension. We conclude that apo-Tf can be isolated from plasma Cohn fraction IV paste using a simple process and that characterization of the material identified a high-purity apo-Tf product with functional iron binding properties. Further, this material was administered to SCD mice to target pulmonary anatomical regions where pathology occurs. This data suggests an intriguing approach to iron chelation applicable to a relevant clinical population.
Category
Class V. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Hematological, Systemic, Metabolic and Other Disorders
Animal Models of Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Therapy
Medical Therapy. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacology
Pulmonary Vascular Pathology
Age Focus: No Age-Related Focus
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes