Nintedanib inhibits TGF-β-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation in human Tenon’s fibroblasts

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of nintedanib on the conversion of human Tenon’s fibroblasts (HTFs) into myofibroblasts and reveal the molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS: Primary cultured HTFs were incubated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) alone or combined with nintedanib, and cell proliferation and migration were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and the scratch wound assay, respectively. HTF contractility was evaluated with a 3D collagen contraction assay. The mRNA and protein levels of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Snail and the phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (ERK1/2) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Nintedanib inhibited the proliferation and migration of HTFs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, nintedanib prevented HTF myofibroblast differentiation via downregulation of mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and Snail. A three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel contraction assay demonstrated that nintedanib effectively inhibits myofibroblast contraction induced by TGF-β1. Mechanistically, we revealed that nintedanib reduces the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2, suggesting that nintedanib acts through both classic and nonclassic signaling pathways of TGF-β1 to prevent HTF activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new evidence that nintedanib has potent antifibrotic effects in HTFs and suggests that it may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for subconjunctival fibrosis.