The protective effects of AT2R stimulation in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of global mortality. The angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R), once activated, is thought to be a protective mechanism in the heart and kidney. In this study, novel peptide drugs developed by my laboratory, that activate AT2Rs, were found to reduce tissue inflammation and scarring, called fibrosis, in hypertension and diabetes preclinical models; and to prevent diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and fatty plaque deposits in arteries. These compounds helped uncover specific cellular components inhibited by AT2R stimulation during fibrosis and inflammation, thus proving the AT2R is an effective multi-modal treatment target for cardiovascular disease.