Increased Expression of Interleukin‐9, Interleukin‐9 Receptor, and the Calcium‐Activated Chloride Channel hCLCA1 in the Upper Airways of Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Increased expression of IL-9 and IL-9R, as well as upregulation of hCLCA1, in mucus-overproducing epithelium of patients with cystic fibrosis supports the hypothesis that IL-9 contributes to mucus overproduction in cystic fibrosis. Expression of hCLCA1 may also be responsible, in part, for the overproduction of mucus. These preliminary findings suggest that hCLCA1 might be an interesting new therapeutic target to control mucus overproduction in airway disease in patients with cystic fibrosis.