Circulating CC16, immune response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and lung function: a population-based, multi-cohort study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Respiratory Health

Background:

• Club cell secretory protein (CC16) is crucial for protecting lung function and modulating inflammatory responses.
• Low CC16 levels and increased susceptibility to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) infection are observed in individuals with asthma.
• The combined impact of low CC16 and Mp seropositivity on lung function deficits, particularly airflow limitation in asthma, requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the combined effects of low CC16 levels and Mp seropositivity on lung function deficits.
• To assess the predisposition to airflow limitation, especially in individuals with asthma.

Main Methods:

• Serum CC16 and Mp-specific IgG antibodies (MpIgG) were measured in adult participants from multiple cohorts.
• Participants were categorized into four groups based on CC16 levels and MpIgG status.
• Linear regression and meta-analysis were used to assess associations between these groups and lung function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC).

Main Results:

• Low CC16 levels were associated with decreased lung function in the overall population.
• No combined effects of CC16 and MpIgG were found in the total population.
• In asthmatic participants, low CC16 with Mp seropositivity correlated with significantly lower FEV1/FVC z-scores, indicating airflow limitation.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with asthma and low CC16 levels, coupled with a history of Mp infection, may face heightened susceptibility to airflow limitation.
• These findings underscore the importance of CC16 and Mp infection history in asthma-related lung function deficits.
• Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these observations and explore therapeutic strategies.