Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41580795›Full record

ArticleRespiratory research2026

Modulation of immune responses by elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in cystic fibrosis: data from a compassionate use program.

Francesca Lucca, Anna Pianazzola, Ilaria Meneghelli, Giuseppina Catanzaro, Giuseppe Sabbioni, Gloria Tridello, Anca Manuela Hristodor, Erik De Luca, Giacomo Menichetti, Giulia Breveglieri and 9 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Respiratory research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Antiviral defenses are diminished at birth in cystic fibrosis pig airways.Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

19 authors.

Francesca LuccaCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Anna PianazzolaCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Ilaria MeneghelliCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Giuseppina CatanzaroDepartment of Life Sciences, Health, and Health Professions, Link Campus University, Rome, Italy.
Giuseppe SabbioniDepartment of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Gloria TridelloCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Anca Manuela HristodorCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Erik De LucaCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Giacomo MenichettiCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
Giulia BreveglieriDepartment of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Maria Teresa AltieriDepartment of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Marica BordicchiaCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy.
Benedetta FabrizziCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy.
Elisabetta FerrettiDepartment of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Giuseppe LippiSection of Clinical Biochemistry, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.
Mirco RosCystic Fibrosis Support Center, Ca' Foncello Hospital, Treviso, Italy.
Monica BorgattiDepartment of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Marco CipolliCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy. marco.cipolli@aovr.veneto.it.
Valentino BezzerriCystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, P.le A. Stefani 1, Verona, 37126, Italy. v.bezzerri@unilink.it.

Funding

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 005009122
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundElexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) improves clinical outcomes in people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF), with possible anti-inflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study investigates ETI's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, focusing on essential signaling pathways.

methodsForty-nine pwCF were followed for 24 months. PwCF underwent clinical and pulmonary function assessment along with sweat test chloride measurement. Blood samples were analyzed for red and white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP). Plasma cytokines were quantified and phospho-kinase arrays and western blotting were used to assess protein phosphorylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from pwCF and healthy controls, pre- and post-ETI. Gene expression was evaluated in patient-derived PBMC and CF bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.

resultsETI treatment significantly improved percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1) and reduced intravenous antibiotic use. Inflammatory markers (including CRP) and circulating leukocytes decreased, especially lymphocytes and monocytes. Six of 27 pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated. ETI strongly inhibited Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation in PBMC and CF epithelial cells, both in vivo and in vitro. This correlated with reduced interleukin IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA levels. Pharmacological inhibition of JAK/STAT mimicked ETI effects on cytokine expression, supporting STAT5 as an important player involved in CF chronic inflammation.

conclusionLong-term ETI treatment confirms clinical benefits and exerts measurable immunomodulatory effects, partially via inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling. These findings support its broader impact beyond CFTR correction. Further studies are warranted to explore long-term immunological outcomes, especially in younger patients initiating early therapy.

Indexed as

AminophenolsBenzodioxolesCystic FibrosisIndolesPyrazolesPyridinesPyrrolesPyrrolidinesQuinolonesAdolescentAdultCells, CulturedChloride Channel AgonistsCytokinesDrug CombinationsFemaleAminophenolsBenzodioxolesChloride Channel AgonistsCytokinesDrug CombinationselexacaftorIndolesivacaftorPyrazolesPyridinesPyrrolesPyrrolidinesQuinolonestezacaftorCFTR modulatorsCystic fibrosisElexacaftorInflammationSTAT5

Identifiers

PMID41580795
PMCPMC12911138

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.