Angiotensin-(1-7) in asthma and pulmonary fibrosis: mechanisms of action, clinical safety, and nano-delivery strategies.

Authors

Youssuf Khanafer, Ayman Dalol, Ahmed Z El-Hashim, Ibrahim F Benter, Saghir Akhtar

Published in

Frontiers in pharmacology. Volume 17. Pages 1789833. Epub Aug 03, 2026.

Abstract

Asthma and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are chronic respiratory diseases with distinct etiologies yet convergent pathophysiological mechanisms, including persistent inflammation, aberrant tissue remodeling, and progressive fibrosis. Together, these conditions affect over 260 million individuals worldwide and impose a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, current treatments remain largely symptomatic and fail to adequately modify disease progression, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), a bioactive heptapeptide of the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system, has emerged as a critical regulator of pulmonary homeostasis and injury responses. This review aims to synthesize current evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of Ang-(1-7) in asthma and PF, while assessing translational challenges and delivery solutions.
Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate that Ang-(1-7) attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine release, reduces oxidative stress, and limits pathological tissue remodeling and fibrosis, collectively resulting in improved lung function and preservation of pulmonary architecture. Clinical trial data from diverse disease settings indicate a favorable safety and tolerability profile for Ang-(1-7), however, disease-specific clinical trials in asthma and PF remain lacking and are necessary for definitive clinical translation. Therapeutic application of Ang-(1-7) is further constrained by rapid proteolytic degradation, poor oral bioavailability, and limited penetration across physiological barriers. Nonetheless, emerging nanotechnology-based delivery platforms show promise in enhancing peptide stability, pharmacokinetics, and lung-targeted delivery.
Taken together, current evidence positions Ang-(1-7)-based formulations as promising disease-modifying candidates for asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Continued optimization of delivery strategies and well-designed, disease-specific clinical trials are warranted to advance Ang-(1-7) toward clinical application in chronic pulmonary disease.

PMID:
42609206
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 18 Aug 2026.

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