Among these, AIM2 inflammasome (associated with induction of pyroptosis, activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and viral suppression) (51, 52) IFI27 (also known as ISG12a) contributes to IFN-dependent perturbation of normal mitochondrial function and enhanced cellular apoptosis (53), and the IFN-dependent antiviral factor BST2 were all significantly downregulated in CF AECs. Here, BST2 is linked to cystic fibrosis.