Page 51 - 2025中醫藥與天然藥物聯合學術研討會-中醫藥與天然藥物的挑戰Ｘ機遇與未來大會手冊

Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Small Molecules for Neutrophil-

Targeted Therapy

,1,2
Tsong-Long Hwang*

1 Center for Drug Research and Development and Graduate Institute of Health Industry
Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology,
Taoyuan, 333324, Taiwan.
2 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College
of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333323, Taiwan.
* E-mail: htl@mail.cgust.edu.tw

Abstract
Neutrophils play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and autoimmune
disorders, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and psoriasis. The reactive
oxygen species, proteases, and neutrophil extracellular traps released by activated neutrophils
can damage cells and lead to immune-inflammatory disorders. The presence of neutrophils in

the lungs and in psoriatic skin lesions is a key histopathological feature of both ARDS and
psoriasis. Additionally, neutrophil counts are significantly correlated with the severity of these
diseases. Therefore, neutrophils can serve as both pathogenic markers and potential drug targets.
A deeper understanding of the regulation of neutrophils in human health and disease is essential

for the development of new therapies. This presentation will discuss pharmacological strategies
for identifying lead compounds that target neutrophil-related inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: Inflammation; Lead compound; Neutrophil

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