Cystic Fibrosis Breakthrough: Zinc as an Infection Fighter

Researchers have identified zinc as crucial for combating lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis, as the genetic mutation responsible for the disease diminishes the natural ability of their immune cells to fight bacteria. This discovery may lead to treatments that rejuvenate the immune system, reducing infections.

As a newly qualified registered nurse, I worked in the first unit dedicated to cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The majority were in their late teens or early twenties, with many having recently transferred from the nearby Children’s Hospital. Their determination and resilience in the face of what was, 25 years ago, a likely early demise, were both astonishing and inspiring. Although life expectancy has significantly increased since then, individuals with CF still face complications associated with the condition.

Uncovering a Zinc-Centric Approach to Combat Infections

A mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene leads to an excessive accumulation of mucus in the lungs and dysregulated airway inflammation, rendering individuals with the condition prone to recurrent infections. Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, have now uncovered a potential method for reducing infections in people with cystic fibrosis, centered around zinc.

“People with cystic fibrosis experience heightened inflammation in their airways and are highly susceptible to bacterial infections. However, frequent antibiotic treatment often results in antibiotic-resistant infections,” explained Peter Sly, a pediatric respiratory physician and co-author of the study. “Although current treatments can restore many aspects of CFTR function, they do not address or prevent lung infections, highlighting the need to restore immune functions.”

In fact, by investigating how the CFTR mutation affects the ability of immune cells known as macrophages to combat bacteria, the researchers discovered that in cystic fibrosis, lung macrophages are unable to effectively utilize zinc as an antibacterial agent.

Zinc Pathway Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis

“One mechanism through which macrophages eliminate bacteria is by poisoning them with toxic levels of metals such as zinc,” stated Matt Sweet, the study’s corresponding author. “We found that the CFTR ion channel plays a critical role in the zinc pathway, and its malfunction in individuals with cystic fibrosis may partially explain their increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.”

Moreover, apart from pinpointing the malfunction in zinc within the cells, the researchers identified a zinc transport protein, SLC30A1, which restored the bacteria-killing ability of macrophages in the context of CFTR mutation. Treatment with supplemental zinc was also effective in reinstating bacteria-killing activity in human lung macrophages in laboratory settings.

The findings suggest that exploring the revival of the zinc toxicity reaction could serve as a treatment strategy to rejuvenate immune function and bolster defenses in individuals with CF.

To conclude, “We aim to administer this zinc transport protein to macrophages in individuals with CF, anticipating that it will reinvigorate their immune response and mitigate infections,” Sweet explained.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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