MK2 Inhibition as a Novel Treatment for Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis via an IL-22-Dependent Mechanism.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease characterized by bile duct inflammation and fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Current therapies are limited to symptom management, with no approved treatments targeting fibrosis. We have identified the MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway as a potential therapeutic target for treating PSC due to its role in promoting inflammatory cytokine production and activation of fibroblasts.

MK2 Inhibition in CD4+ T Cells Protects Against IFNγ and IL-17A, Chronic Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Models.

Background: CD4+ T cells contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the cellular mechanisms remain elusive. We have found that the mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway plays a major role in inflammation and overall pathology in IBD. Thus, here, we examined the role of MK2 in regulating CD4+ T cell responses in IBD models.