Anti-inflammatory action of lipid nanocarrier-delivered myriocin: therapeutic potential in cystic fibrosis

Background Sphingolipids take part in immune response and can initiate and/or sustain inflammation. Various inflammatory diseases have been associated with increased ceramide content, and pharmacological reduction of ceramide diminishes inflammation damage in vivo. Inflammation and susceptibility to microbial infection are two elements in a vicious circle. Recently, sphingolipid metabolism inhibitors were used to reduce infection. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a hyper-inflammation and an excessive innate immune response, which fails to evolve into adaptive immunity and to eradicate acute infection. This results in chronic infections, lung damage, and patient morbidity. Indeed, ceramide content in mucosa airways is higher in CF mouse models and in patients than in control mice or healthy subjects.