In previous FFC projects the researchers show that mouse Mesoangioblasts (mMABs), vessel-associated adult progenitor cells, when systemically transplanted in CF mouse models, are able to engraft over time the epithelium of airways and intestine, contributing to the epithelial tissue and rescuing the CFTR function (FFC#5/2013, FFC#6/2015). Now their aim is to investigate if human MABs (hMABS) have the same properties. Different populations of human MABs (hMABs) will be tested for the expression of CFTR. Moreover, hMABS will be co-cultured with human bronchiolar epithelial cells from healthy control or CF patients bearing severe mutations of CFTR (F508del, N1303K). In this coculture system, hMABs ability to differentiate into epithelium and to express a functional CFTR (by Ussing chamber) will be tested. The project may help to establish new scientific bases for the application of cell-based therapies to CF.