P235 Pharmacological activation of NRF2 has protective effects during Mycobacterium abscessus infection by promoting host defences and reducing inflammatory damage in the context of cystic fibrosis

Lung disease is the leading cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), a disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, and is characterised by a repetitive circle of infection and inflammation. Among the pathogenic bacteria found in CF airway, the multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) is associated with accelerated inflammatory lung damage and is often refractory to antibiotic therapies. Therefore, we examined whether curcumin, an activator of the transcription factor NRF2, might provide a beneficial effect against Mabs infection in the context of CF.