Pathogenetic lung-infiltrating TH1/17 cells as new target in cystic fibrosis lung transplantation recipients : preliminary results

lung transplantation is the only treatment for end stage lung cystic fibrosis (CF) disease after maximal therapy. Chronic lung infections in CF patients lead to persistent activation of effector T-cells, in turn causing exacerbated inflammation, tissue damage and. ultimately, lung failure. Recent evidence showed that TH1/17 cells, secreting signature IFN-y and IL-17 proinflammatory cytokines,can worsen inflammatory responses and contribute to CF pathogenesis. However, the pathogenic role of Th1/17 cells in CF-Ltx recipients, has never been characterized.