Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of lung infection in CFers. These bacteria secrete an enzyme called SMase C that impact negatively on CFTR activity and also impair the function of white blood cells important in fighting off infection.
Scientists have discovered that SMase C also remains active for extended periods of time even after the bacteria that have released it are gone. So targeting SMAse C could be an important treatment approach. The scientists screened a naturally-occurring library of more than 2,000 compounds and found one compound called "tannic acid" that could block SMAse C inhibitory effect on both CFTR and potassium channel protein in white blood cells.
SMAse C is also produced by many other bacteria that can cause lung infection, so the combination of tannic acid with antibiotics could be a promising new treatment for SMAse C releasing bacterial infections.
This is a great example of research being done that could have a quick impact on the lives of CF patients. Hopefully we will hear more on the clinical benefits of tannic acid very soon.
Source of scientific publication: http://t.co/6tlyMA6Mn2
- Chris
Scientists have discovered that SMase C also remains active for extended periods of time even after the bacteria that have released it are gone. So targeting SMAse C could be an important treatment approach. The scientists screened a naturally-occurring library of more than 2,000 compounds and found one compound called "tannic acid" that could block SMAse C inhibitory effect on both CFTR and potassium channel protein in white blood cells.
SMAse C is also produced by many other bacteria that can cause lung infection, so the combination of tannic acid with antibiotics could be a promising new treatment for SMAse C releasing bacterial infections.
This is a great example of research being done that could have a quick impact on the lives of CF patients. Hopefully we will hear more on the clinical benefits of tannic acid very soon.
Source of scientific publication: http://t.co/6tlyMA6Mn2
- Chris