Recruited monocytes/macrophages drive pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation and irreversible lung tissue remodeling in cystic fibrosis

Persistent neutrophil-dominated lung inflammation contributes to lung damage in cystic fibrosis (CF). How-ever, the mechanisms that drive persistent lung neutrophilia and tissue deterioration in CF are not well characterized. Starting from the observation that, in patients with CF, c-c motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)+ monocytes/macrophages are abundant in the lungs, we investigate the interplay between mono-cytes/macrophages and neutrophils in perpetuating lung tissue damage in CF. Here we show that CCR2+ monocytes in murine CF lungs drive pathogenic transforming growth factor (3 (TGF-(3) signaling and sustain a pro-inflammatory environment by facilitating neutrophil recruitment. Targeting CCR2 to lower the numbers of monocytes in CF lungs ameliorates neutrophil inflammation and pathogenic TGF-(3 signaling and prevents lung tissue damage. This study identifies CCR2+ monocytes as a neglected contributor to the pathogenesis of CF lung disease and as a therapeutic target for patients with CF, for whom lung hyperinflammation and tissue damage remain an issue despite recent advances in CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-specific therapeutic agents.

Automated summary

This study identifies CCR2+ monocytes as a previously neglected contributor to lung damage in CF, driving pathogenic TGF-β signaling and sustaining inflammation by facilitating neutrophil recruitment. Targeting CCR2 to reduce monocyte numbers in CF lungs can ameliorate neutrophil inflammation and prevent tissue damage.