The story of cystic fibrosis 1965-2015

Neutrophils' Extracellular Trap Mechanisms: From Physiology to Pathology

Neutrophils are an essential part of the innate immune system and the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They phagocytose, release granular contents, produce reactive oxygen species, and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to fight pathogens. With the characterization of NETs and their components, neutrophils were identified as players of the innate adaptive crosstalk. This has placed NETs at the center not only of physiological but also pathological processes. Aside from their role in pathogen uptake and clearance, NETs have been demonstrated to contribute to the resolution of inflammation by forming aggregated NETs able to degrade inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, NETs have the potential to foster severe pathological conditions. When homeostasis is disrupted, they occlude vessels and ducts, serve as sources of autoantigens and danger or damage associated molecular patterns, directly damage tissues, and exaggerate complement activity and inflammation. This review focusses on the understanding of NETs from their formation to their functions in both physiological and pathological processes.

Cystic Fibrosis Disease Modifiers: Complex Genetics Defines the Phenotypic Diversity in a Monogenic Disease

In many respects, genetic studies in cystic fibrosis (CF) serve as a paradigm for a human Mendelian genetic success story. From recognition of the condition as a heritable pathological entity to implementation of personalized treatments based on genetic findings, this multistep pathway of progress has focused on the genetic underpinnings of CF clinical disease. Along this path was the recognition that not all CFTR gene mutations produce the same disease and the recognition of the complex, multifactorial nature of CF genotype–phenotype relationships. The non- CFTR genetic components (gene modifiers) that contribute to variation in phenotype are the focus of this review. A multifaceted approach involving candidate gene studies, genome-wide association studies, and gene expression studies has revealed significant gene modifiers for multiple CF phenotypes. The bold challenges for the future are to integrate the findings into our understanding of CF pathogenesis and to use the knowledge to develop novel therapies.

An update on new and emerging therapies for cystic fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that results in a multi-organ disease with progressive respiratory decline that ultimately leads to premature death. CF is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which codes for the CFTR anion channel. Established CF treatments target downstream manifestations of the primary genetic defect, including pulmonary and nutritional interventions. Areas covered: CFTR modulators are novel therapies that improve the function of CFTR, and have been approved in the past five years to mitigate the effects of several CF-disease causing mutations. This review summarizes currently approved CFTR modulators and discusses emerging modulator therapies in phase II and III clinical trials described on clinical trials.gov as of April, 2017. Results of relevant trials reported in peer-reviewed journals in Pubmed, scientific conference abstracts and sponsor press releases available as of November, 2017 are included. Expert opinion: The current scope of CF therapeutic development is robust and CFTR modulators have demonstrated significant benefit to patients with specific CFTR mutations. We anticipate that in the future healthcare providers will be faced with a different treatment paradigm, initiating CFTR-directed therapies well before the onset of progressive lung disease.