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Model Systems to Study the Chronic, Polymicrobial Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: Current Approaches and Exploring

George A O'Toole1, Aurélie Crabbé2, Rolf Kümmerli3

  • 1Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.

Mbio
|September 21, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Researchers explored new models for studying polymicrobial infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways. Three frameworks were proposed to advance the development of model systems for chronic infectious diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) airways are characterized by polymicrobial infections.
  • Current models often fail to accurately represent the complexity of these infections.
  • Developing better models is crucial for understanding disease progression and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the development of novel model systems for studying polymicrobial infections in CF.
  • To identify challenges in creating accurate models for CF airway infections.
  • To propose frameworks for advancing model system development.

Main Methods:

  • A virtual workshop involving 35+ investigators was convened.
  • Findings from the workshop discussions were compiled.
  • Three potential frameworks for model development were outlined.

Main Results:

  • Key challenges in developing polymicrobial infection models were identified.
  • Three distinct frameworks were proposed to guide future research.
  • The proposed frameworks aim to be applicable beyond CF.

Conclusions:

  • Advancing model systems for CF polymicrobial infections can lead to new therapeutics.
  • Understanding these complex communities may reveal principles applicable to other chronic infections.
  • The proposed frameworks offer a path toward more effective treatment strategies.
Keywords:
airwaychronic infectioncystic fibrosismodelspolymicrobial

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