Model Systems to Study the Chronic, Polymicrobial Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: Current Approaches and Exploring Future Directions

George O'Toole*, Aurélie Crabbé, Rolf Kümmerli, John J. LiPuma, Jennifer M. Bomberger, Jane C. Davies, Dominique Limoli, Vanessa V. Phelan, James B. Bliska, William H. DePas, Lars E. Dietrich, Thomas H. Hampton, Ryan Hunter, Cezar M. Khursigara, Alex Price-Whelan, Alix Ashare, Robert A. Cramer, Joanna B. Goldberg, Freya Harrison, Deborah A. HoganMichael A. Henson, Dean R. Madden, Jared R. Mayers, Carey Nadell, Dianne Newman, Alice Prince, Damian W. Rivett, Joseph D. Schwartzman, Daniel Schultz, Donald C. Sheppard, Alan R. Smyth, Melanie A. Spero, Bruce A. Stanton, Paul E. Turner, Chris van der Gast, Fiona J. Whelan, Rachel Whittaker, Katrine Whiteson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

A recent workshop titled “Developing Models to Study Polymicrobial Infections,” sponsored by the Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Center (DartCF), explored the development of new models to study the polymicrobial infections associated with the airways of persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). The workshop gathered 35+ investigators over two virtual sessions. Here, we present the findings of this workshop, summarize some of the challenges involved with developing such models, and suggest three frameworks to tackle this complex problem. The frameworks proposed here, we believe, could be generally useful in developing new model systems for other infectious diseases. Developing and validating new approaches to study the complex polymicrobial communities in the CF airway could open windows to new therapeutics to treat these recalcitrant infections, as well as uncovering organizing principles applicable to chronic polymicrobial infections more generally.
Original languageEnglish
Article number01763-21
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalmBio
Volume12
Issue number5
Early online date21 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Oct 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cysticfibrosis
  • models
  • polymicrobial
  • airway
  • chronic infection

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