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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Generation of Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Spheroids for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Study
08:00

Generation of Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Spheroids for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Study

Published on: April 11, 2018

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

Jane C Davies1, Eric W F W Alton

  • 1Department of Gene Therapy, Imperial College London, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LR, UK. j.c.davies@imperial.ac.uk

Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society
|October 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy has shown partial success in correcting chloride secretion but not sodium hyperabsorption. Further research is needed to determine if these molecular improvements translate into clinical benefits for CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • The first cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene therapy trials began in 1993.
  • Over 20 clinical trials using viral and nonviral gene transfer agents have been conducted.
  • Previous trials focused on molecular or bioelectrical outcomes, primarily in the nasal or lower airways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the published literature on CFTR gene therapy.
  • To discuss the limitations of gene therapy in the cystic fibrosis airway.
  • To consider factors influencing the design of future clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published literature on CFTR gene therapy clinical trials.
  • Analysis of outcome measures, including transgene mRNA expression and chloride secretion.
  • Discussion of limitations and future trial design considerations.

Main Results:

  • Partial correction of chloride secretion has been observed in some trials.
  • Transgene mRNA expression has been detected.
  • Sodium hyperabsorption has not been improved by current gene therapy approaches.

Conclusions:

  • CFTR gene therapy has demonstrated proof-of-principle but has not yet translated into significant clinical benefit.
  • Limitations in the CF airway present challenges for effective gene therapy delivery and efficacy.
  • Further research and optimized clinical trial designs are necessary to advance CF gene therapy.

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