Cystic Fibrosis

Advances in CF treatments have extended life expectancy, but aging patients (≥ 50 yrs) face unique challenges, including poor oral health and dysregulated immune responses. Chronic inflammation in CF, traditionally attributed to neutrophils, is also linked to unique T-cell subsets, which increase with age and contribute to tissue damage. These atypical immune responses, coupled with altered microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, exacerbate inflammation and disrupt homeostasis. Our research aims to unravel these mechanisms, focusing on the interplay between aging, immune dysregulation, and microbial metabolites, to identify novel pathways for restoring immune balance.

Highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs) have revolutionized CF care, but their long-term effects on the salivary lipidome and oral microbiome remain underexplored. Our research investigates how long term HEMT use reshape salivary lipid profiles and microbial communities, with a focus on understanding their influence on lung function and other co-morbidities. By uncovering these interactions, we aim to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that enhance health outcomes in CF patients.