The Phosphodiesterase Type IV Inhibitor Cilomilast Decreases Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production From Primary Bronchial Epithelial Cells in Lung Transplantation Patients

The phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor cilomilast reduced IL-8 and GMCSF release from PBECs. These cytokines are associated with the persistence of airway neutrophilic inflammation and airway remodelling seen in obliterative bronchiolitis. These ex vivo results suggest a potential for cilomilast in the treatment of BOS, which would need to be evaluated in appropriate clinical studies.