Examining Commercially Available Kits for Measurements of Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Elastase

Abstract

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) is an inherited condition that often leads to emphysema that is associated with breathing difficulties. Current therapies for this condition are expensive and invasive, or only address the symptoms (such as shortness of breath) instead of  addressing the underlying cause. Through this project, a research question will be pursued that will aim to improve identification of potential new therapies. Candidate therapies include low molecular weight compounds that may inhibit human neutrophil elastase (HNE), the enzyme that degrades the elastic component in the lungs leading to the breathing difficulties associated with A1AD. The approach is to determine whether commercially available kits utilizing different modes of detection to assess inhibition of HNE yield more reliable results with smaller standard deviations than the currently-utilized in-house assay. The overarching goal of this project is to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding the development of new therapeutic treatments for the genetic condition A1AD. A reliable, validated assay is key in this regard.