Cellular and animal models of cystic fibrosis, tools for drug discovery

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive inherited disease with a high incidence in the Caucasian population causing high morbidity and clinical costs. The disease is characterized by complex pathology of secretory epithelia, including chronic lung infections, pancreatic deficiency and intestinal disease. CF has been the subject of intense study both in the large and well-characterized patient population, and in different model systems. Recent developments include novel therapeutics, ranging from gene therapy to candidate drug treatments.

Section editor:Nelly Frossard – Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Louis Pasteur, Illkirch, France