Tetraspanin CD151 Protects against Pulmonary Fibrosis by Maintaining Epithelial Integrity

Abstract

CD151 is essential for normal function of alveolar epithelial cells; loss of CD151 causes pulmonary fibrosis as a result of epithelial disintegrity. Given that CD151 may protect against fibrosis, this protein represents a novel target for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.