Australian scientists have discovered a mechanism that could reduce bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
- Cystic fibrosis affects different organs including the lungs, which can promote the appearance of repeated secondary infections.
- An Australian study has identified a defect in the bactericidal function of immune cells in people with cystic fibrosis.
- Researchers have managed to discover a way to circumvent this defect, in order to reactivate the cells’ immune response.
More than 7,000 people are affected by cystic fibrosis in France. This genetic disease is characterized by the thickening of secretions from several organs, mainly the lungs and the pancreas. As a result of these conditions, patients are at greater risk of experiencing recurrent bacterial infections.
Cystic fibrosis: a protein could restore a function of the immune system
Researchers at the University of Queensland (Australia) recently observed a defect in the bactericidal function of immune cells in people with cystic fibrosis. “Macrophages destroy bacteria by poisoning them with toxic levels of metals such as zinc (…) We discovered that the CFTR ion channel is crucial for the zinc pathway. As it does not function properly in people with cystic fibrosis , this could partly explain why they are more susceptible to bacterial infections., explained Professor Matt Sweet, co-author of the study and Director of High Level Research (DHDR) at the Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB) at the University of Queensland. This work was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
As a result of this discovery, the Australian team determined a zinc transport protein that could restore the ability of macrophages to kill bacteria when the CFTR protein is not functioning. In order to reactivate their immune response and reduce infections, scientists wish to soon administer this protein to patients affected by cystic fibrosis.
New treatment options to reduce infections linked to cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis causes persistent inflammation of the airways, which increases patients’ susceptibility to bacterial infections. However, frequent antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance. The authors of the study therefore insisted on the importance of developing new treatments. “Current treatments can restore many aspects of CFTR function, but they do not resolve or prevent lung infections, hence the need to restore immune functions”said Professor Peter Sly of the Child Health Research Center at the University of Queensland.
