Abstract.
Human lymphocytes and pancreatic acinar cells have a common function: both cell types secrete specific proteins in response to extracellular signals. Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes, while lymphocytes secrete antibodies and cytokines. Both cell types utilize similar receptor-mediated activation systems, similar signal transduction pathways (i.e., α adrenergic receptors, and cAMP), and express the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Preliminary tests of the hypothesis that B lymphocytes are capable of regulated secretion were carried out using transformed lymphocytes. λ light chain secretion rates were measured in response to treatment with 8-CPT-cAMP. A rapid transient increase in secretion was observed in non-CF lymphocytes. This effect was absent in CF lymphocytes. A failure of regulated secretion could cause a reduced response to antigen presentation, and an inability to completely clear pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Another piece of circumstantial evidence is that lung-transplanted CF patients remain chronically ill. While immunosuppressive therapy may contribute to the chronic illness, the phenomenon is more acute in CF lung-transplant patients than non-CF lung-transplant recipients receiving the same immunosuppressive therapy. A defect in regulated secretion of antibodies and cytokines in response to antigens may be the source of a long suspected, but as yet unproved CFTR-mediated immunological defect underlying the pulmonary morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF).
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Bubien, J.K. CFTR may play a role in regulated secretion by lymphocytes: a new hypothesis for the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis. Pflügers Arch - Eur J Physiol 443 (Suppl 1), S36–S39 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240100641
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240100641