Intercellular communication in the infected cystic fibrosis airway epithelium

The airway epithelium is crucial for the defence against pathogens through the proper functioning of the airway epithelial cells and regulation of the immune response. Coordinated signalling is essential to maintain homeostasis and consists of mechanisms of direct or indirect communication that allow the transfer of molecules between neighbouring cells. This is achieved through gap junctions (direct communication) mediated by connexin (Cx) proteins and through connexin hemichannels or pannexin (Panx) channels (indirect communication). In this project, we focused on cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease characterised by chronic infection, exacerbated inflammation, neutrophilia and dysregulated neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation that leads to progressive respiratory failure. We investigated the role of intercellular communication via Cx and Panx channels in the dysregulation of the CF airway epithelium innate immune response. The results of my thesis points to the significance of cell-cell communication in the initiation of the immune response of the airway epithelium and associated neutrophil function