FIGURE 2.

Summary of pollutants’ effects known so far in human CF bronchial epithelial cells. Three common cellular mechanisms have been identified. Inflammation and cell death occur after exposure to either nanoparticles, particulate matter or ozone while oxidative stress is generated only by particulate matter and ozone. Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species production are interconnected as they stimulate each other. Specifically to ozone, a CF-like phenotype is produced with decreased CFTR expression and activity. NP, Nanoparticles; PM, Particulate Matter; O₃, Ozone; ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species.