rapid-viscoelastic-characterization-airway-mucus-using-benchtop

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

In muco-obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis) and other respiratory conditions (e.g., ...

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterised by the accumulation of viscous adherent mucus in the lungs. While several hypotheses invoke a direct relationship with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction ( acidic airway surface liquid (ASL) pH, low bicarbonate (HCO ) concentration, airway dehydration), the dominant biochemical alteration of CF mucus remains unknown.

Treatment of cystic fibrosis airway cells with CFTR modulators reverses aberrant mucus properties  hydration.

Significance Gaining insights into severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) high transmissibility and the role played by inflammatory mediators in viral proliferation are critical to investigating new therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Electron microscopy reveals important SARS-CoV-2 features, including the combination of large, rapidly released viral clusters and the massive shedding of epithelial cells packed with virions. Interleukin-13 (IL-13), a Th2 cytokine up-regulated in allergic asthma and associated with less severe COVID-19, protects against SARS-CoV-2 viral and cell shedding. Using gene expression analyses and biochemical assays, IL-13 is shown to affect viral entry, replication, and cell-to-cell transmission. Given the broad spectrum of COVID-19 clinical symptoms, it is important to elucidate intrinsic factors that modulate viral load and spreading mechanisms.

Article	Year
Treatment of cystic fibrosis airway cells with CFTR modulators reverses aberrant mucus properties hydration. The European respiratory journal\| PubMed ID: 34172469	2022
SARS-CoV-2 infection of airway cells causes intense viral and cell shedding, two spreading mechanisms affected by IL-13. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America\| PubMed ID: 35353667	2022

Kendall M. Shaffer

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