Genetic and immunologic aspects of cystic fibrosis

Reading this article will enable the readers to reinforce their knowledge of the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF), the pathogenesis of the lung disease, the criteria for diagnosis, and CF genotype/phenotype relationships. The focus of this review is on the genetic and immunologic aspects of CF.

Relevant articles, current texts, data presented at the annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conferences and distributed to the Directors of CF Centers by the CF Foundation were reviewed. A MEDLINE database using subject keywords was searched from 1987 to date. Background information derived from the author's 33 years of clinical experience at three of the CF Foundation's CF Care, Teaching and Resource Centers was also included.

Since CF is an inherited disorder, the genetic aspects are emphasized. With the cloning of the CF gene, DNA analysis has assumed an important role in confirming the clinical diagnosis and in the improved understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder. Although DNA testing is highly specific, it is not very sensitive.

Cystic fibrosis gene structure and function are described briefly. The pathophysiology of CF, as it relates to the CF gene defect, and the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of the lung disease are reviewed. The criteria for the diagnosis proposed by the Clinical Practice Guidelines for CF are discussed. Problems of establishing the diagnosis and the importance of correlations of laboratory and clinical findings in CF are emphasized.

As a multisystem disorder, CF can masquerade as other disorders, including allergic respiratory disease. Primary care physicians often refer patients to allergists/immunologists because of recurrent respiratory problems. This review discusses the genetic heterogeneity of CF.