FZD4

In a preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis, a Surrozen antibody-based SWAP platform molecule decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and improved lung function Surrozen Wnt mimetic SWAP molecules also expanded alveolar organoid cultures and impacted multiple lung cell types in vivo Results highlight the potential of Wnt mimetic agonists to repair tissue after damage in severe lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surrozen, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRZN), a company pioneering targeted therapeutics that selectively modulate the Wnt pathway for tissue repair and regeneration, announced today publication of data in Respiratory Research highlighting the potential for Surrozen’s Wnt mimetic technologies to treat serious lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) https://respiratory-research-biomedcentral-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/articles/10.1186/s12931-024-02786-2. The results observed with systemic administration of Surrozen’s Wnt mimetic antibody in an acute bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis demonstrate a Wnt pathway mediated decrease in inflammation and fibrosis and improvement in lung function. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by areas of myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, disruption of alveolar architecture, and restricted lung physiology. In pulmonary fibrosis, multiple cell types may need to be targeted to provide a regenerative environment facilitating repair. Mechanisms that stimulate expansion of certain beneficial cell types in the lung which also limiting expansion of fibrosis promoting cell types and of pro-inflammatory cells may be desirable. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the lung alveolar epithelium. During development this pathway is critical for the establishment of alveoli. In adult lungs, a subset of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells are stem cells, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for AT2 cell maintenance and renewal under both normal and injured conditions. Furthermore, activation of Wnt signaling has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages in several mouse lung damage models. “Current treatments for severe lung diseases like IPF aren’t able to regenerate normal, functional tissue,” said Yang Li, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research at Surrozen. “This work published in Respiratory Research represents a breakthrough in understanding the role of the Wnt pathway in lung fibrosis and the potential for Wnt mimetics to reduce fibrosis and improve lung function.” About SZN-043 for Severe Alcohol-Associated HepatitisSZN-043 is the first development candidate using Surrozen’s SWEETS™ technology. Surrozen is developing SZN-043 for severe liver diseases, initially focusing on alcohol-associated hepatitis. The Company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The Company is initiating the Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. About SZN-413 for Retinal DiseasesSZN-413 is a bi-specific antibody targeting Fzd4-mediated Wnt signaling designed using Surrozen’s SWAP™ technology. It is currently being developed for the treatment of retinal vascular-associated diseases. Data generated by Surrozen with SZN-413 in preclinical models of retinopathy demonstrated that SZN-413 could potently stimulate Wnt signaling in the eye, induce normal retinal vessel regrowth, suppress pathological vessel growth and reduce vascular leakage. This novel approach could thus potentially allow for regeneration of healthy eye tissue, not only halting retinopathy, but possibly allowing for a full reversal of the patient’s disease. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Surrozen entered into a strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim for the research and development of SZN-413 for the treatment of retinal diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim received an exclusive, worldwide license to develop SZN-413 and other Fzd4-specific Wnt-modulating molecules for all purposes, including as a treatment for retinal diseases, in exchange for an upfront payment to Surrozen of $12.5 million. Surrozen will also be eligible to receive up to $587.0 million in success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. After an initial period of joint research, Boehringer Ingelheim will assume all development and commercial responsibilities. About Wnt SignalingWnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis, and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone, and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy. About SurrozenSurrozen is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing drug candidates to selectively modulate the Wnt pathway. Surrozen is developing tissue-specific antibodies designed to engage the body’s existing biological repair mechanisms with a current focus on severe liver and eye diseases. For more information, please visit www.surrozen.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “potential,” “expect,” “could,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidates SZN-043 and SZN-413 (including anticipated clinical development plans and timelines, and the availability of data, the potential for such product candidates to be used to treat human disease, as well as the potential benefits of such product candidates), and the Company’s partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, including the potential for future success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of Surrozen and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Surrozen. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of research and development activities, preclinical or and clinical trials with respect to SZN-043, SZN-413 and potential future drug candidates; the Company’s ability to fund its preclinical and clinical trials and development efforts, whether with existing funds or through additional fundraising; Surrozen’s ability to identify, develop and commercialize drug candidates; Surrozen’s ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies for SZN-043, SZN-413, or other future product candidates; the effects that arise from volatility in global economic, political, regulatory and market conditions; and all other factors discussed in Surrozen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Surrozen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Surrozen has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Surrozen presently does not know, or that Surrozen currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Surrozen’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Surrozen anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Surrozen may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Surrozen specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Surrozen’s assessments of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Investor and Media Contact: Investorinfo@surrozen.com

-Phase 1a trial demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability with no reported serious adverse events-Phase 1a data demonstrated target engagement, a pharmacodynamic effect and effects on liver function-Initiating Phase 1b proof-of-concept trial in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis- Expect to Present Safety, PD and PK Data for SZN-043 at Upcoming Medical Meeting in 2024 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surrozen, Inc. (“Surrozen” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SRZN), a company pioneering targeted therapeutics that selectively activate the Wnt Pathway for tissue repair and regeneration, today provided an update on the Phase 1a clinical trial of SZN-043 in healthy volunteers and patients with cirrhosis. The Phase 1a study was completed in February 2024. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The observed safety and pharmacodynamic activity were the basis for the Company’s previous announcement that it planned to initiate enrollment in the Phase 1b study in alcohol-associated hepatitis. The randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1a trial enrolled a total of 48 subjects, including 40 healthy volunteers and 8 patients with cirrhosis and a history of liver disease. Single or multiple IV doses were administered in doses ranging from 0.5mg/kg to 3 mg/kg. There were no serious adverse events nor infusion reactions observed. In the planned Phase 1b trial dose range (0.5mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg), adverse events assessed to be drug related were mild to moderate and all resolved during the study. In healthy volunteers a few asymptomatic and transient transaminase elevations (ranging from mild to moderate) were observed which resolved without intervention, and with no clinical sequelae. There were no drug related adverse events reported in patients with cirrhosis at any dose. The pharmacokinetics of SZN-043 were consistent with our expectations and supportive of the planned doses, schedule and route of administration for alcohol-associated hepatitis. In cirrhotic patients with a history of liver disease, the Phase 1a study also demonstrated dose dependent pharmacodynamic (PD) activity through activation of Wnt signaling as assessed by the methacetin breath test. This test measures activation of the Wnt pathway via the metabolism of a Wnt target gene (CYP1A2) substrate. Target engagement was confirmed via transient increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Increases in ALP are indicative of SZN-043 binding to its targeting receptor ASGR1 and reduction in its capacity to clear ALP, consistent with observations in other ASGR1 binding agents. Cirrhotic patients also showed evidence of liver function effects after treatment with SZN-043 as measured by HepQuant which is a test that measures cholate clearance, a liver specific function that quantifies liver function. ”We are excited to have observed activation of Wnt signaling, target engagement and improvement in markers of liver function during the Phase 1a studies and are pleased to advance SZN-043 into the Phase 1b clinical trial in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. We look forward to presenting the encouraging Phase 1a data at an upcoming medical conference - the first clinical data for this innovative antibody-based approach to modulating the Wnt pathway,” said Craig Parker, President and Chief Executive Office of Surrozen. “Progress with our platform technologies supports our belief that modulation of the Wnt pathway has the potential to provide important new therapeutic options through targeted tissue regeneration.“ The Company is in the process of initiating the multi-center Phase 1b clinical trial in multiple countries and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. The study will enroll patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis in an open-label trial. The Company plans to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and a number of efficacy endpoints including MELD score, Lille score and survival. The MELD and Lille scores have been shown to correlate with clinical improvement and 90-day survival. About SZN-043 for Severe Alcohol-Associated HepatitisSZN-043 is the first development candidate using Surrozen’s SWEETS™ technology. Surrozen is developing SZN-043 for severe liver diseases, initially focusing on alcohol-associated hepatitis. The Company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The Company is initiating the Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. About SZN-413 for Retinal DiseasesSZN-413 is a bi-specific antibody targeting Fzd4-mediated Wnt signaling designed using Surrozen’s SWAP™ technology. It is currently being developed for the treatment of retinal vascular-associated diseases. Data generated by Surrozen with SZN-413 in preclinical models of retinopathy demonstrated that SZN-413 could potently stimulate Wnt signaling in the eye, induce normal retinal vessel regrowth, suppress pathological vessel growth and reduce vascular leakage. This novel approach could thus potentially allow for regeneration of healthy eye tissue, not only halting retinopathy, but possibly allowing for a full reversal of the patient’s disease. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Surrozen entered into a strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim for the research and development of SZN-413 for the treatment of retinal diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim received an exclusive, worldwide license to develop SZN-413 and other Fzd4-specific Wnt-modulating molecules for all purposes, including as a treatment for retinal diseases, in exchange for an upfront payment to Surrozen of $12.5 million. Surrozen will also be eligible to receive up to $587.0 million in success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. After an initial period of joint research, Boehringer Ingelheim will assume all development and commercial responsibilities. About Wnt SignalingWnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis, and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone, and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy. About SurrozenSurrozen is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing drug candidates to selectively modulate the Wnt pathway. Surrozen is developing tissue-specific antibodies designed to engage the body’s existing biological repair mechanisms with a current focus on severe liver and eye diseases. For more information, please visit www.surrozen.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “potential,” “expect,” “could,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidates SZN-043, and SZN-413 (including anticipated clinical development plans and timelines, and the availability of data, the potential for such product candidates to be used to treat human disease, as well as the potential benefits of such product candidates), and the Company’s partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, including the potential for future success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales . These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of Surrozen and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Surrozen. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of research and development activities, preclinical or and clinical trials with respect to SZN-043, SZN-413 and potential future drug candidates; the Company’s ability to fund its preclinical and clinical trials and development efforts, whether with existing funds or through additional fundraising; Surrozen’s ability to identify, develop and commercialize drug candidates; Surrozen’s ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies for SZN-043, SZN-413, or other future product candidates; the effects that arise from volatility in global economic, political, regulatory and market conditions; and all other factors discussed in Surrozen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Surrozen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Surrozen has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Surrozen presently does not know, or that Surrozen currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Surrozen’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Surrozen anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Surrozen may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Surrozen specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Surrozen’s assessments of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Investor and Media Contact:Investorinfo@surrozen.com

新靶点发现是药物研发取得创新突破的重要支撑。对于机制不明，缺乏明确靶点的疾病来说，找到正确药靶将大大加速突破性疗法的诞生。一个里程碑靶点的发现亦可催生多款“重磅炸弹”药物。转眼2023年已经过去，这一年全球科学家和药物研发人员在新靶点发现方面依然取得了多项重要成果。下面我们分享由医药魔方Pro梳理并筛选出的2023年值得关注的100个新靶点，希望能够给国内创新药研发人员和投资者提供一些参考。2021及2022年底，医药魔方Pro推出了《100个新靶点》年度盘点特别企划文章，受到了读者的广泛关注。刚刚过去的2023年，新靶点依旧不断涌现。在癌症方面，科学家们发现了超30个新靶点，包括癌症免疫治疗靶点PSME4、TRABID、TIM-1、CD300ld、IL-4Rα等，以及提升CAR-T疗效的靶点ALPL-1、SUV39H1、BATF3等；此外，还有研究揭示了有望克服KRAS抑制剂耐药性的靶点IRE1α。2023年，科学家们也发现了ADAMTS14、YTHDF1、GPR10、Canca2d1等几个潜力肥胖靶点。在AD领域，Smyd3、HS3ST1、TRIM11、MEG3、VCAM1等新靶点值得关注。与NASH相关的新靶点包括NTRK3、EphB2、CYR61等。除此之外，过去一年，高血压、系统性红斑狼疮、神经性疼痛、ALS、肥厚型心肌病、2型糖尿病、唐氏综合征、骨质疏松症、哮喘、心力衰竭、动脉粥样硬化、慢性阻塞性肺病、帕金森病等疾病领域在新靶点发现方面也有进展。值得一提的是，2023年多个新靶点由中国研究团队发现，包括B2M（唐氏综合征）、CD300ld（癌症免疫疗法）、GSDMD（系统性红斑狼疮）、THADA（2型糖尿病）、Nsun2 （自身免疫性疾病）、YTHDF1（肥胖）、Canca2d1（肥胖）、 PirB/LILRB2-ANGPTL8（NASH）、HPIP（癌症）等。本文梳理并筛选出了2023年值得关注的100个新靶点（详见文末表格），希望能够给国内创新药研发人员和投资者提供一些参考。在这100个新靶点中，有12个入选医药魔方NextPharma转化医学里程碑成果，以下做详细介绍：里程碑靶点①：TAF15杂志：Nature领域：额颞叶痴呆论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06801-2成果：额颞叶痴呆(FTD)是除阿尔茨海默病之外最常见的痴呆类型。2023年12月6日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究中，来自英国剑桥医学研究委员会分子生物学实验室的科学家们确定了一种蛋白质的聚集结构，有望为额颞叶痴呆未来的诊断和治疗提供一个潜在靶点。研究人员使用冷冻电子显微镜(cryo-EM)以原子分辨率研究了4名额颞叶痴呆患者大脑中的蛋白质聚集体。长期以来，基于与其他神经退行性疾病的相似性，科学家们一直认为，在这种类型的痴呆症中，一种名为FUS的蛋白质聚集在一起。然而，这项研究显示，在颞叶痴呆患者大脑中聚焦的蛋白不是FUS，而是TAF15。这是一个出乎意料的结果，因为在这项研究之前，人们并不知道TAF15在神经退行性疾病中会形成淀粉样蛋白细丝。一些额颞叶痴呆患者还患有运动神经元疾病。在这项研究中，有两名捐赠者同时患有这两种疾病。研究人员在与运动神经元疾病相关的大脑区域发现了相同的TAF15聚集结构。总结来说，该研究确定了额颞叶痴呆的一个潜在治疗靶点，这些发现对于开发额颞叶痴呆的诊断方法和治疗药物具有重要意义。里程碑靶点②：IL-4Rα杂志：Nature领域：癌症（免疫疗法）论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06797-9成果：髓系细胞能够抑制抗肿瘤免疫力，但背后的分子机制尚不清晰。2023年12月6日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究中，来自美国西奈山伊坎医学院的科学家们对人类和小鼠非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)病变进行单细胞RNA测序后发现，在这两个物种中，2型细胞因子白细胞介素-4 (IL-4) 被预测为肿瘤浸润性单核细胞源性巨噬细胞表型的主要驱动因素。利用一组条件敲除小鼠，研究人员发现，敲除骨髓中早期髓系祖细胞中的IL-4受体IL-4Rα能够减少肿瘤负荷（成熟髓系细胞中IL-4Rα的缺失没有影响）。随后，研究人员启动了IL-4Rα阻断抗体dupilumab（度普利尤单抗）联合PD-1/PD-L1检查点阻断治疗复发或难治性NSCLC患者的临床试验（NCT05013450）。研究结果显示，增加dupilumab减少了循环单核细胞，扩大了肿瘤浸润的CD8 T细胞；治疗两个月后，六分之一的患者出现了近乎完全的临床缓解（near-complete clinical response）。总结来说，该研究定义了IL-4在控制癌症免疫抑制性骨髓生成中的核心作用，确定了一种新的人类免疫检查点阻断联合疗法。里程碑靶点③：IRE1α杂志：Science领域：癌症（KRAS抑制剂耐药）论文：DOI: 10.1126/science.abn418成果：尽管靶向突变KRAS的药物研发取得了实质性进展，但肿瘤对KRAS抑制剂(KRASi)的耐药快速且几乎不可避免。2023年9月8日，发表在Science杂志上的一项研究显示，致癌KRAS失活可下调热休克反应和未折叠蛋白反应中IRE1α（inositol-requiring enzyme 1α)分支，导致严重的蛋白质稳态紊乱。然而，在获得性KRAS抑制剂耐药肿瘤中，IRE1α被选择性地重新激活，恢复了蛋白质稳态。进一步的研究显示，抑制IRE1α可克服对KRAS抑制剂的耐药性。总结来说，该研究揭示了一种可成药的机制，靶向IRE1α有望克服KRAS抑制剂耐药。来源：Science里程碑靶点④：CD300ld杂志：Nature领域：癌症（免疫疗法）论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06511-9成果：2023年9月6日，Nature杂志发表了中国科学院分子细胞科学卓越创新中心赵允研究组与复旦大学罗敏/卢智刚/高海研究组合作研究成果。该研究发现一个全新的、功能高度保守的肿瘤免疫抑制受体CD300ld。CD300ld在PMN-MDSCs上特异性高表达，是调控PMN-MDSCs募集及免疫抑制功能的关键受体。靶向CD300ld能够通过抑制 PMN-MDSCs的募集和功能，重塑肿瘤免疫微环境，从而产生广谱抗肿瘤效果。CD300ld靶点显示出很好的安全性、保守性，抗肿瘤有效性、及与PD1 靶点的协同性，有望成为肿瘤免疫治疗新的理想靶点。（推荐阅读：中国科学家Nature发文：肿瘤免疫治疗新靶点——CD300ld）里程碑靶点⑤：netrin-1杂志：Nature领域：癌症上皮-间质转化论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06372-2成果：上皮-间质转化(EMT)调节肿瘤的发生、进展、转移和耐药。2023年8月2日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究发现，netrin-1在原发性皮肤鳞状细胞癌(SCC，表现为自发性EMT)小鼠模型中表达上调。使用NP137（一种netrin-1单抗，该分子已进入临床试验阶段，NCT02977195）抑制netrin-1降低了皮肤SCC中EMT肿瘤细胞的比例，减少了转移数量，增强了肿瘤细胞对化疗的敏感性。进一步，研究人员用NP137治疗移植了A549人癌细胞系的小鼠，这些癌细胞系在TGFβ1给药后经历了EMT。结果显示，Netrin-1抑制降低了移植A549细胞的EMT。总结来说，这些研究结果确定了靶向癌症EMT的药理学策略，为抗癌治疗开辟了新的干预措施。里程碑靶点⑥：TRIM11杂志：Science领域：阿尔茨海默病论文：DOI: 10.1126/science.add6696成果：阿尔茨海默病是导致老年人痴呆的最常见原因，这是一种进行性大脑疾病，会慢慢破坏记忆和思维能力。2023年7月28日，宾夕法尼亚大学Perelman医学院的科学家发表在Science杂志上的一项研究显示，一种编码TRIM11蛋白（tripartite motif protein 11，该蛋白与tau蛋白产生相关）的基因被发现可以抑制类似阿尔茨海默病(AD)的神经退行性疾病动物模型的恶化，同时改善认知和运动能力。此外，研究显示，TRIM11在去除导致神经退行性疾病(如AD)的蛋白缠结中起关键作用。研究人员利用23名阿尔茨海默病患者的死后脑组织和14名来自神经退行性疾病研究中心组织库的健康对照者进行了验证，发现与健康对照者相比，阿尔茨海默病患者大脑中的TRIM11蛋白水平显著降低。为了确定TRIM11作为治疗靶点的潜在效用，研究人员使用腺相关病毒载体(AAV，一种基因治疗中常用的工具)将TRIM11基因递送到多种小鼠模型的大脑中。结果显示，接受TRIM11基因的tau病变小鼠，神经原纤维缠结（neurofibrillary tangles, NFTs）的形成和积累明显减少，且认知和运动能力大大提高。（推荐阅读：新靶点TRIM11：监督tau蛋白，治疗阿尔茨海默病 | 前沿视界）里程碑靶点⑦：TMEM106B杂志：Cell领域：SARS-CoV-2感染论文：DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.005成果：2023年7月7日，发表在Cell杂志上的一项研究显示，溶酶体跨膜蛋白TMEM106B可以作为SARS-CoV-2进入血管紧张素转换酶2 (ACE2)阴性细胞的替代受体。TMEM106B特异性单克隆抗体阻断了SARS-CoV-2感染，证明了TMEM106B在病毒进入细胞中的作用。进一步的研究发现，TMEM106B的luminal domain结合SARS-CoV-2刺突的受体结合基序。TMEM106B促进刺突介导的合胞体形成，提示了TMEM106B在病毒融合中的作用。总结来说，该研究揭示了一种不依赖于ACE2的SARS-CoV-2感染机制，有望开发针对SARS-CoV-2感染的新疗法。来源：Cell里程碑靶点⑧：KDM5D杂志：Nature领域：癌症（结直肠癌）论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06254-7成果：2023年6月21日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究中，来自德克萨斯大学MD安德森癌症中心的科学家们发现，一个位于Y染色体的基因KDM5D在KRAS突变的结直肠癌（CRC）中上调，增加了肿瘤细胞的侵袭性并降低了男性患者的抗肿瘤免疫力。KDM5D编码一种表观遗传酶，该研究揭示，KDM5D抑制TAP1和TAP2基因，这两个基因通常协助处理和呈递抗原，向T细胞发出信号，消除异常细胞。因此，KDM5D的这种作用使癌细胞能够避免免疫细胞的检测和破坏，促进其进展和转移的能力。这些结果表明，KDM5D是一个潜在的治疗靶点。里程碑靶点⑨：TIM-1杂志：Nature领域：癌症（免疫疗法）论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06231-0成果：B细胞在抗肿瘤免疫中的作用仍然存在争议。2023年6月21日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究确定了B细胞激活的一个关键检查点，以及如何绕过这个检查点来释放T细胞的潜力。研究鉴定出了一种在荷瘤小鼠的引流淋巴结中特异性扩增的B细胞亚群。这个扩增的B细胞亚群表达由Havcr1基因编码的细胞表面分子TIM-1，同时还表达PD-1、TIM-3、TIGIT和LAG-3等共抑制分子。进一步研究显示，条件性删除B细胞上的共抑制分子对肿瘤负荷的影响很小或没有影响。然而，在B细胞中选择性删除Havcr1既能显著抑制肿瘤生长，也能增强效应T细胞的反应。TIM-1的缺失增强了B细胞中的I 型干扰素反应，从而增强了B细胞的活化，增加了抗原呈递和共刺激，导致肿瘤特异性效应T细胞扩增增加。研究人员指出，这种表达TIM-1的特定B细胞亚群可能发挥T细胞激活“调节器”的作用，抑制过度的免疫系统反应。而在抗击肿瘤时，这可能会成为免疫系统的“束缚”。而该研究鉴定出TIM-1限制了B细胞的活化、抗原呈递和T细胞活化。靶向表达TIM-1的B细胞有望促进抗肿瘤免疫并抑制肿瘤生长。（推荐阅读：Nature：癌症免疫治疗新靶点——TIM-1）里程碑靶点⑩：Fzd5;Fzd6杂志：Cell领域：肺损伤论文：DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.022成果：Wnt信号通路参与细胞干性和再生，因此是退行性疾病的一个有吸引力的治疗靶点。然而，考虑到该通路在所有细胞类型中的核心作用，激活Wnt信号可能会产生不良影响。2023年6月14日，发表在Cell杂志上的一项研究中，来自基因泰克的科学家们报道了肺泡中不同类型的干细胞如何表达不同的Wnt受体（上皮细胞表达Fzd5/6、内皮细胞表达Fzd4、间质细胞表达Fzd1），并设计了作用于特定细胞类型Wnt信号的激动剂抗体（Fzd5或Fzd6激动剂）。在特发性肺纤维化(IPF)小鼠模型中，这些抗体促进了肺泡上皮再生并延长了小鼠的生存期。科学家们称，该研究确定了一种在肺损伤期间促进再生而不加剧纤维化的潜在策略。来源：Cell里程碑靶点⑪：B2M杂志：Cell领域：唐氏综合征论文：DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.021成果：2023年3月2日，厦门大学医学院王鑫教授课题组在Cell杂志发表了关于唐氏综合征和衰老相关认知损伤的新机制和新靶点的研究论文。唐氏综合征，又称21-三体综合征，是先天性智力障碍的最常见原因。除了神经系统功能异常，唐氏患者表现出血液系统疾病高发的问题，如白血病和免疫力低下。王鑫教授团队首次发现了外周血参与唐氏综合征认知障碍，揭示了患者血液中增加的β2-微球蛋白（ β2-microglobuli, B2M）可以通过血脑屏障进入大脑导致认知损伤的新机制。通过基因敲除或者抗体注射的方式减少唐氏综合征小鼠模型体内β2-微球蛋白含量，均可以显著改善唐氏小鼠的学习和记忆能力，提示β2-微球蛋白可能作为治疗唐氏认知障碍的新靶点。此外，β2-微球蛋白作为一个促衰老因子，在老年人血液中水平显著高于年轻人，研究团队发现这个多肽药物也可以改善衰老相关认知损伤，说明β2-微球蛋白可能作为多种认知障碍疾病的共同靶点。来源：Cell里程碑靶点⑫：TBK1杂志：Nature领域：癌症（免疫疗法）论文：DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05704-6成果：免疫检查点抑制剂可以增强免疫系统对多种肿瘤的响应，但患者长时间使用后可能产生耐药性。2023年1月12日，发表在Nature杂志上的一项研究揭示了一种在某些细胞中开启的免疫逃逸基因，沉默该基因可以增强这些细胞对免疫疗法的敏感性。这种基因编码被称为TANK结合激酶1（TBK1）的蛋白，这是一种在协调机体对病毒和其他入侵病原体的先天性免疫反应方面具有特定作用的多功能激酶。小鼠模型中，用抑制剂阻断TBK1蛋白活性可以克服肿瘤对免疫疗法的耐药性，且没有造成体重下降等全身毒性。此外，研究显示，靶向TBK1增强了对PD-1阻断疗法的应答，TBK1抑制联合PD-1阻断在患者源性肿瘤模型中也显示出疗效。这些结果表明，靶向TBK1可能是一种克服肿瘤免疫疗法耐药性新颖而有效的策略。（推荐阅读：Nature：让PD-1抗体更有效的靶点——TBK1）附：2023年值得关注的100个新靶点▌文章来源：医药魔方Pro责编：赵家帅审核：任旭推荐阅读行业洞见丨License out爆发，创新药投资接下来怎么走？行业洞见丨批量上市，国产创新器械拐点已到？行业洞见丨罕见病用药研发，谁主沉浮？