Predictive capacity of paediatric nasal epithelial cells in sequential CFTR modulator therapy

Abstract

Background: CFTR modulators have transformed cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment, but individual responses vary even among patients with identical CFTR genotypes. This underscores the need for predictive biomarkers to optimise therapeutic selection. Methods: We evaluated 24 paediatric patients homozygous for F508del-CFTR, assessing lung function (FEV1pp) and sweat chloride (SC) before and after CFTR modulator therapy. Whole-gene sequencing was utilised to identify CFTR and pharmacogene variants. Patient-derived human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were expanded and differentiated at the air-liquid interface to assess CFTR function via ion transport (ΔIsc). Results: Clinical responses varied widel..