Long-Term Effect Of A Vaccine Targeting Endothelin-1 Receptor Type A In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background: Previously, we invented a therapeutic vaccine targeting the endothelin-A receptor (termed ETRQ beta-002). ETRQ beta-002 successfully prevented the remodeling of pulmonary arterioles (PAs) and right ventricle (RV) without significant immune-mediated damage in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) mice models.Objective: Here, we aim to further evaluate the long-term effects of ETRQ beta-002.Methods: PAH mice model was induced by a combination of subcutaneous injection with Sugen5416 and chronic hypoxic conditions (10% O-2). PAH mice were immunized with ETRQ beta-002 at different time points, and the experiment lasted for 21 weeks. Hemodynamic, histological, and biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of ETRQ beta-002.Results: We demonstrated that the titer of the specific antibody against ETR-002 could be maintained chronically after periodic booster immunization in PAH mice. Long-term reduction of right ventricular systolic pressure and amelioration of PA remodeling by ETRQ beta-002 were confirmed. Moreover, we found that ETRQ beta-002 also exerted antiproliferation, anti-inflammation, and antifibrosis effects in PA remodeling. Besides, ETRQ beta-002 durably limited pathological RV hypertrophy and fibrosis. Finally, no immune-mediated damage was observed in hepatic or renal function or by pathology in liver and kidney during the long-term administration of ETRQ beta-002.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ETRQ beta-002 provides long-term therapeutic effects in Sugen/hypoxia-induced PAH animals and offers a promising clinical prospect for PAH treatment.