Signaling through TLR5 Mitigates Lethal Radiation Damage by Neutrophil-Dependent Release of MMP-9

Scientists demonstrated that in contrast to radioprotection, neutrophils were essential for the radiomitigative activity of entolimod in a mouse model of lethal acute radiation syndrome. Recombinant MMP-9 by itself had radiomitigative activity and, in the absence of neutrophils, accelerated the recovery of the hematopoietic system.