The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been discovered 25 years ago. Since the identification of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as the gene responsible for causing CF, molecular and cell biological aspects of this ion channel have been systematically studied. Although the function of CFTR is now reasonably well-understood, how CFTR defects and other modifications result in chronic CF lung disease is not clearly understood.

Recurrent and chronic microbial infections and airway inflammation are the hallmarks of CF lung disease, and progressive lung disease remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. Etiology and molecular mechanisms responsible for chronic infection and inflammation of the CF airways are not clearly understood. We are interested in compiling a comprehensive collection of articles that summarize well-established facts and highlight new developments in the topic of CF airway inflammation. This special collection would highlight molecular mechanisms responsible for chronic airway infection and inflammation, new experimental approaches, and potential therapeutic options for treating CF lung disease.

We invite investigators to contribute original research papers and review articles that will address the recent advances in CF airway inflammation.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Introduction: the microenvironment of the CF lung:
  • Cells of the upper and lower airways
  • Infiltrating immune cells
  • The metabolites, lipid mediators, and cytokines
  • The microbiomes
  • How nutrition affects CF
  • Gender differences in CF
  • Non-CF bronchiectasis
• The genetics and biochemistry of CF and their clinical relevance:
  • CFTR mutations
  • Genetic modifiers
  • CFTR protein modifications
• New therapeutic approaches:
  • Preclinical animal models
  • Clinical studies
  • Stem cell-related screening approaches
  • Novel therapies
  • Personalized medicine strategies for treating CF lung disease

Note that Mediators of Inflammation has no page limits and no restriction on colour image publication and charges a fixed fee for articles. Papers will be published in the journal soon after their acceptance. The special issue will be assembled with a unique cover and an introductory editorial.