Researchers at China Medical University demonstrated that keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a key mediator of lung repair in acute lung injury (ALI). Using LPS-stimulated mouse alveolar epithelial type 2 (AT2) cells and a mouse ALI model, they showed KGF restores the scaffolding protein Gab1, suppresses ERK and NF-κB activation, and upregulates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) — the critical driver of alveolar fluid clearance. MSCs with KGF knocked down were significantly less effective at reducing lung injury and edema, confirming KGF as the primary therapeutic mediator. These findings illuminate a targetable molecular pathway for ALI/ARDS treatment.
