Nano-based rescue of dysfunctional autophagy in chronic obstructive lung diseases

ABSTRACTIntroduction: ΔF508-CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) is a common CF-mutation that is known to induce oxidative-inflammatory stress through activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induces autophagy-impairment resulting in accumulation of CFTR in aggresome-bodies. Cysteamine, the reduced form of cystamine, is a FDA-approved drug that has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and mucolytic properties. This drug has been shown in a recent clinical trial to decrease lung inflammation and improve lung function in CF patients by potentially restoring autophagy and allowing CFTR to be trafficked to the cell membrane.Areas covered: The delivery of cysteamine to airway epithelia of chronic subjects prerequisite the need for a delivery system to allow rescue of dysfunctional autophagy.Expert opinion: We anticipate based on our ongoing studies that PLGA-PEG- or Dendrimer-mediated cysteamine delivery could allow sustained airway delivery over standard cysteamine tablets or delay re...