Dr. Welsh has a long-standing interest in the study and treatment of CF. His laboratory uses a multi-faceted approach to understand the biology of CF, with several areas of emphasis. The first is an investigation of the structure and function of CFTR. The second is an exploration of how CFTR defects lead to impairment of innate immunity in the airway and to lung disease. To facilitate this research, his group generated a number of porcine CF models. These have brought a new understanding of the disease and are aiding in the development of novel therapies in collaboration with Drs. Stoltz, Zabner, McCray, Abou Alai, Fischer, and many other Center Members.