A novel host defense system of airways is defective in cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to airborne microorganisms. Nevertheless, normal airways remain sterile without recruiting phagocytes. This innate immune activity has been attributed to mucociliary clearance and antimicrobial polypeptides of airway surface liquid. Defective airway immunity characterizes cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator, a chloride channel. The pathophysiology of defective immunity in CF remains to be elucidated.

Objective

We investigated the ability of non-CF and CF airway epithelia to kill bacteria through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods

ROS production and ROS-mediated bactericidal activity were determined on the apical surfaces of human an

SUBMITTER: Moskwa P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2720149 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature