The changing landscape of the cystic fibrosis lung environment: From the perspective of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract

This review guides the reader through the current understanding of the dynamic changes that occur within the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung that allow Pseudomonas aeruginosa to become the dominant pathogen associated with CF. Although recent studies provide some insight, the mechanisms that drive the changing landscape of the lung environment throughout an individual's lifetime that prime P. aeruginosa to take over and establish chronic infection within the lungs, remain poorly understood. We explore how the CF lung environment shapes the ability of P. aeruginosa to persist in spite of intense antimicrobial therapy. We also highlight the pioneering use of a triple combination cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy, Trikafta, to restore CFTR function and how it influences P. aeruginosa persistence in the CF lung. We utilize existing data for single modulator therapies to extrapolate the potential future of pathogen infection in the era of Trikafta therapy.