Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome as a novel approach for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

This thesis examined a new approach to treat high blood pressure in the lungs or ‘pulmonary hypertension’, a rare but incurable disease with limited treatment options. It determined that a component of the immune system, the ‘inflammasome’ is responsible for some of the damage associated with pulmonary hypertension, and that a new drug which selectively blocks the inflammasome can reverse established disease in experimental models. This exciting discovery offers new hope for the treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension, and may improve their quality of life and survival.