The working group coordinated by Dr. Antonio Recchiuti from the Unit of Molecular Medicine at the CAST has obtained funds from the American Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to conduct a research study aimed at determining roles and therapeutic potential of resolvins in Methicillin resistant S. aureus infections in cystic fibrosis.

MRSA can cause severe chronic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. It represents a vexing clinical challenge since it is difficult to eradicate and determines rapid loss of respiratory function in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Recchiuti has been previously granted research  funds from the CFF for its studies on the resolution of inflammation in cystic fibrosis. In this study, which will be carried out at the CAST, he and his collaborators will use animal models, human cells from volunteers with cystic fibrosis, and transcriptomics approaches to determine how MRSA modifies the production of pro-resolution mediators like resolvins and how resolvins act on inflammation and anti bacterial responses. Results from this study will advance our knowledge on the pathophysiology of MRSA infection and cystic fibrosis and they will also provide clues for innovative therapeutic approaches for people with cystic fibrosis.