CFTR and cystic fibrosis: CF is a severe genetic pulmonary disorder triggered by impaired function of the anion transporter CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that results in increased secretion of abnormally viscous mucus and at the clinical level, CF is characterized by chronic bacterial airway infection (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa), prominent neutrophilic inflammation, mucus accumulation within the airways, and progressive bronchiectasis (formation of irreversible airway enlargements).