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HDFx: A Recently Discovered Biologic and its Potential Use in Prevention and Treatment of Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses and Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

Altura BM, Gebrewold A, Carella A

Recently, we have reported on the discovery of a new, conserved protein (35-40 kDa) that protects rats, mice, guinea-pigs, and rabbits against lethal hemorrhage, endotoxins, live lethal bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and traumatic injuries when given prophylactally and therapeutically. HDFx was found to stimulate several arms of the innate immune system (e.g. macrophages, NK cells). HDFx was also found to stabilize the microcirculation, prevent rupture and leakage of postcapillary venules, prevent adhesion of platelets to endothelium and loss of platelets, stabilize falls in arterial blood pressure, and prevent stasis and pooling of blood in the postcapillary vessels, as observed by intra-vital high-resolution TV microscopy. HDFx also stimulates phagocytic uptake of foreign particulate matter and bacteria by liver Kupffer cells, splenic macrophages, and circulating macrophages. It also prevents explosive release of cytokines and chemokines from macrophages and lymphocytes in animals subjected to live bacteria, endotoxins, trauma and combined injuries. Surprisingly, HDFx was found to accelerate wound healing and aid the regeneration of tissues. Repeated administration of HDFx, over many months, does not result in either diminished protective activity or detectable organ or tissue pathologies. One of the major consequences of infections and wars/conflicts is loss of the ability to regenerate normal physiologic functions of numerous organs and tissues. A major characteristic of invasion of the body by septic-endotoxic microorganisms and hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) is that these entities eventuate in rupture of the microvessels in the capillary circulation of numerous organs and tissues leading to massive blood and fluid loss, making the body susceptible to superimposed infections and loss of immuno-competence. About 100 million people are infected worldwide, annually, with about 60,000 to 75,000 deaths per year from HFVs. Added to these numbers are the numerous hospital-borne and food-borne infections along with infections resulting from major disasters (hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, etc.) that cause 75,000 to 100,000 deaths per year in the U.S.A. alone. The ability and uniqueness of HDFx to minimize infections, accelerate wound healing, and promote tissue regeneration should greatly aid treatment and recovery of these victims and be of great value in infections from HFVs and on battlefields.