Role of BARriers in IgG-Pathogen Interactions at the Mucosal Surface in Human Airways

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), a chronic lung condition characterized by irreversible airway widening, obstruction, persistent cough, and mucus production. This study evaluates how mucus from NCFB patients affects the behavior of inhaled polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG), a potential new treatment aimed at reducing airway infections and inflammation. The investigation focuses on IgG's ability to bind pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its movement and stability in airway mucus. The study will involve 30 patients with stable NCFB who will provide sputum samples after inhaling a saline aerosol and a blood sample. The sputum will be analyzed to identify bacteria, viruses, and fungi present and used for laboratory tests assessing IgG binding to pathogens, IgG breakdown, and mobility within mucus. These analyses will compare patient mucus with artificial mucus and evaluate the impact of microbial colonization. Participants will continue their usual medical care during the study. Each participant will attend one study visit for clinical examination, medical history review, lung function assessment, and quality of life questionnaires. Blood and induced sputum samples will be collected for microbiological, immunological, and inflammatory analysis. The main outcome measured is how well IgG binds to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patient mucus using whole-cell ELISA. Secondary outcomes include IgG breakdown and mobility, as well as the influence of airway microbes. No follow-up visits are planned, and the study will last from enrollment up to three months for outcome assessment.

Role of BARriers in IgG-Pathogen Interactions at the Mucosal Surface in Human Airways