Our studies identified proteins that control the number of mucus-secreting cells in airway epithelia. Further, we found that peptides derived from these proteins not only reduce mucous cell numbers but also suppress inflammation. From human cohort and transgenic mouse studies, we showed that genetic variants in genes encoding these proteins cause increased mucus production and enhance the decline in lung function. Based on these findings, peptides and small inhibitor molecules that reduce mucin-producing cells are being developed to be tested in human trials.
