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Updated: May 7, 2026

Induction of Mouse Lung Injury by Endotracheal Injection of Bleomycin
Published on: April 30, 2019
Effect of immunostimulatory RNA on the fibrosis development in Bleomycin- or LPS-induced mouse models
Aleksandra V Sen'kova1, Ali Bishani2, Innokenty A Savin1
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.
Abstract:
Previously, we described a 19-base pair double-stranded RNA with 3'-trinucleotide overhangs, acting as immunostimulatory RNA (isRNA). This molecule demonstrated notable antiproliferative effects on cancer cells, inhibited tumor growth, and elicited immunostimulatory and antiviral responses by inducing cytokine and interferon production. Within this study, we compared the efficiency of lung fibrosis development, initiated in mice by BLM or LPS using different schemes of induction. Then we compared the effect of isRNA used in a preventive or therapeutic regimen on the development of fibrosis in selected BLM- and LPS-induced mouse models and showed that isRNA can be used in pathological conditions accompanied by the development of inflammation and the risk of fibrosis formation, without adverse side effects. Prophylactic regimen of isRNA application is beneficial for prevention of the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Insights
Immunostimulatory RNA (isRNA) prevents lung fibrosis in mouse models. Prophylactic isRNA application shows significant benefits in mitigating inflammation and fibrosis development without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- RNA Therapeutics
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- A previously described 19-base pair double-stranded RNA with 3'-trinucleotide overhangs acts as immunostimulatory RNA (isRNA).
- This isRNA exhibits antiproliferative effects on cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth, and induces immunostimulatory and antiviral responses via cytokine and interferon production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficiency of lung fibrosis development induced by Bleomycin (BLM) or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of isRNA in preventive and therapeutic regimens against BLM- and LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
- To assess the safety profile of isRNA in pathological conditions associated with inflammation and fibrosis risk.
Main Methods:
- Induction of lung fibrosis in mice using Bleomycin (BLM) or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with varied induction schemes.
- Administration of isRNA in preventive and therapeutic settings in established BLM- and LPS-induced mouse models.
- Assessment of fibrosis development, inflammation markers, and potential adverse effects.
Main Results:
- isRNA demonstrated efficacy in both preventive and therapeutic regimens against induced lung fibrosis.
- Prophylactic administration of isRNA was particularly beneficial in preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
- The application of isRNA did not result in adverse side effects in the treated mouse models.
Conclusions:
- isRNA is a promising therapeutic agent for pathological conditions involving inflammation and fibrosis.
- A prophylactic regimen of isRNA application is highly effective for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis development.
- isRNA can be safely utilized in managing conditions at risk of fibrosis formation.

