Development of a novel therapeutic to accelerate epithelial repair following viral respiratory infection

Respiratory infections impose a significant global health burden, and the emergence of novel viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, further underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Current treatments focus on eliminating pathogens, boosting immunity, or suppressing inflammation; however, approaches to mitigate infection-induced tissue damage remain underexplored. We propose harnessing lung epithelial repair as a novel therapeutic avenue to improve outcomes in patients with severe respiratory infections and lung pathology, particularly in cases where standard treatments such as antivirals are no longer effective. Using mouse models of viral-induced lung damage, we will evaluate the therapeutic potential of administering a pro-repair factor to mitigate lung injury and promote recovery following severe viral respiratory infections.