SARS-CoV-2 Appears To Induce Loss Of CFTR Protein In Cell-Based Airway Model, Replicating Inflammatory State Seen In The Lungs Of People With CF, Study Suggests

Cystic Fibrosis News Today (8/19, Bryson) reports, “SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, appears to induce the loss of CFTR protein in a cell-based airway model, replicating the inflammatory state seen in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a study suggested.” Investigators also observed “the ACE2 protein appeared to interact directly with the CFTR protein in both mature cells that line the airways and basal stem cells, which give rise to various airway cells.” The findings were published in Scientific Reports.