Experimental work in peptide biopharmaceuticals is underway. Cell adhesion molecules and growth factors studied by Furcht's group are also active in normal tissue development and wound healing. Current work is dealing with using biopharmaceutical peptides in suppressing inflammation and immunological reactions. Investigators have found prolongation of cardiac allograft survival associated with a major suppression of VCAM, ICAM and E Selectin expression. Ischemia reperfusion injury models are under development for CNS and heart.
Preliminary results are very promising.
Recently, Furcht and colleagues were able to manipulate the active microdomains of cellular adhesion and migration molecules through the use of synthetic peptides. This work could open the way to the development of novel pharmaceuticals with diverse applications. It also could lead to a better understanding of how the body reacts to implanted materials and how acceptance of these biomaterials can be promoted. The materials produced through bio-interfacial engineering will modify in the beneficial way the body's reaction to implanted devices or grafts. Their ability to promote cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth, and interact with heparin and the beta 1 integrin subunit.