Pseudomonas aeruginosa secreted proteases interfere with key host immune processes and degrade lung tissue. Protease-inhibiting molecules, such as broad-spectrum matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitors, might target bacterial secreted proteases limiting host inflammatory response and lung damage. Modern in vivo imaging tools could allow to assess the anti-protease and anti-inflammatory effects of these molecules in P. aeruginosa-infected CF mice. The aims of this project are to set-up a convenient, non-invasive imaging model for in vivo monitoring of tissue inflammation, bacterial infection and protease activity in mouse lungs; more, to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of MMP inhibitors Ilomastat and Marimastat in P. aeruginosa-infected CF mice. This new in vivo imaging model will be suitable for real-time and simultaneous monitoring of different pathological processes typical of CF lung disease and is expected to become a useful tool when applied to CF drug discovery.