American journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology
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Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. · Jun 2012
Immune responses in cystic fibrosis: are they intrinsically defective?
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal single-gene disorder affecting Northern Europeans and North Americans, is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Cftr is a chloride channel and a regulator of other ion channels, and many aspects of the CF phenotype are directly related to ion channel abnormalities attributable to CFTR mutation. Lung disease is the most common limitation to the quantity and quality of life for patients with CF. ⋯ Defective CFTR function disrupts the balance of intracellular ion concentrations, including [Ca(2+)], which is known to drive gene expression pathways. New evidence links this hypothesis to anomalies in immune activation observed across CF cell types, which could shed light on the inability of individuals with CF to effectively clear pathogens. This review focuses on the emerging role of Cftr in gene expression and other functions in cells of the innate and adaptive immune system.
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Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. · Jun 2012
Role of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 in acute inflammation after lung contusion.
Lung contusion (LC), commonly observed in patients with thoracic trauma is a leading risk factor for development of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Previously, we have shown that CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, a monotactic chemokine abundant in the lungs, is significantly elevated in LC. This study investigated the nature of protection afforded by CCL-2 in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome during LC, using rats and CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 2 knockout (CCR2(-/-)) mice. ⋯ Production of CCL-2 and macrophage chemoattractant protein-5 was increased in the absence of CCR2, thus suggesting a negative feedback mechanism of regulation. Isolated AMs in the CCR2(-/-) mice showed a predominant M1 phenotype compared with the predominant M2 phenotype in WT mice. Taken together, the above results show that CCL-2 is functionally important in the down-modulation of injury and inflammation in LC.