Antibiotic therapy affects functional behaviour in cystic fibrosis blood mononuclear cells

To the Editor: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening genetic disorder in the Caucasian population and is due to mutations at the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene leading to dysfunction of the protein, which normally acts as a chloride channel. This basic defect is associated with a progressive and lethal lung disease [1]. Opportunistic respiratory infections are common in CF patients’ lungs, making antibiotics an important part of the regular care. In the present study, we investigated whether a course of intravenous antibiotic treatment (10 days) for a pulmonary exacerbation in CF patients resulted in improved pulmonary function that was associated with changes in the expression of proteins forming the macromolecular complexes required for correct CFTR function in lymphomonocytes (LMNs).