An article posted on the Cystic Fibrosis News Today site, piqued my interest about what’s happening in the world of cystic fibrosis, or CF, lung transplantation these days.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (US), in 2013, 245 people with CF received a lung transplant. More than 80% of lung transplant recipients with CF are still alive after one year, and more than 50% are alive after five years.
But not all transplants are successful, so researchers are continually trying to determine the factors that affect positive outcomes.
Rejection is an issue in all transplants. The body’s immune system sees the transplanted organ as a foreign invader and kicks into gear to get rid of that invader. Acute rejection happens in the first six months after transplantation. In acute cellular rejection (ACR), lymphocytes have been activated to fight donor antigens.
A group of researchers at the University of Padova in Italy recently published a study which showed a higher risk of ACR in lung transplant recipients with CF.
The researchers hypothesize that the difference in ACRs between CF and non-CF lung transplants might be because of:
- Enhanced immune activation: there are many different mutations in the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that cause CF; some may kick the immune response into gear more than others
- Differences in how CF may affect clearance, residence time, and absorption of the important immunosuppressant medicine cyclosporine
Studies such as this one often serve as launching pads for additional research. The authors of the study hope that they’ve added to the knowledge bank surrounding appropriate care and treatment of ACR in lung transplantation due to CF.
To read the original study, click here (there’s an option to download the article for free).
PatientWorthy teamed up with CysticLife.org to spread awareness of CF and support their collaboration with the Mayo Clinic for a community-driven research project investigating the benefits of exercise for CF patients. If you’re interested in contributing to the fund or want to become a CysticLife member, drop by CysticLife.org or donate here today! Don’t forget to share this post!
