Targeting inflammation with collagen

Abstract

Tissue damage caused by an infection oran autoimmune disease triggers degradation of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which further enhances inflammation. Therefore, improving ECM in aninflamed tissue can be exploited as a potential therapeutic target. A recentstudy emphasised an innovative approach against COVID-19 using polymerised type I collagen (PTIC) that improves disease severity through a hitherto unknownmechanism. In this paper, we provide an overview of potential mechanism thatmay explain the anti-inflammatory effect of collagen peptides. In addition,the paper includes a brief summary of possible side effect of collagendeposition in inflammatory diseases. Altogether, current knowledge suggeststhat collagen may potentially reduce the residual risk in inflammatorydiseases; however, the detailed mechanism remains elusive.

Keywords: COVID-19; ECM; MMPs; collagen; inflammation.

FIGURE 1

Polymerised type I collagen (PTIC) exhibits immunomodulatory effects in COVID‐19. The PTIC‐treated group showed significant improvement in disease severity. Likewise, the levels of inflammatory cytokines dramatically decreased and the mean oxygen saturation rates improved to > 92%

FIGURE 2

Potential immunomodulatory mechanisms and consequences of collagen deposition or administration of collagen peptides