COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING COMPLICATIONS OF VIRAL INFECTIONS AND OTHER RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to treating or preventing a respiratory disease or disorder, by administering one or more compositions comprising an isolated polypeptide derived from an alpha Connexin. Exemplary respiratory diseases or disorders include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alcoholic lung injury, acute lung injury (ALI), pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathy pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some aspects, the respiratory disease or disorder is a complication of a respiratory viral disease.