The European consortium IN-ARMOR, of which Biokeralty is a partner, has recently published a review article in the journal Blood Reviews (Elsevier) entitled “Host-directed therapies modulating innate immunity against infection in hematologic malignancies”.
This work, co-authored by researchers from the University of Iceland, Akthelia Pharmaceuticals and the Karolinska Institutet, analyses the role of host-directed therapies (HDT) as an innovative strategy to combat infections in patients with haematological malignancies (HM).
Main contributions of the article
Patients with haematological malignancies (HM) are highly vulnerable to bloodstream infections (BSI), especially during treatments such as chemotherapy. Among the most frequent and debilitating adverse effects are oral and intestinal mucositis, which significantly increase the risk of sepsis and mortality. Although conventional antibiotics are effective, their prolonged use promotes antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and alters the intestinal microbiota. In this context, the review proposes the use of host defence peptides (HDPs), essential components of innate immunity, together with immune system inducers (ISIs), as a strategy to preserve the integrity of the mucosal barrier against infection. It also highlights the need to identify safe and effective ISIs for clinical application and to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that stimulate HDP production and strengthen mucosal barriers.
A step forward for therapeutic innovation
This publication represents an important step for the IN-ARMOR consortium in the development of an innovative therapeutic platform that strengthens the body’s natural defences and helps to counteract antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
You can access the full article at Elsevier – Blood Reviews: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268960X24000882
To learn more about the project’s progress, we invite you to follow IN-ARMOR on its official website and social media channels:
https://inarmor-project.eu/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/in-armorprojecteu/
