Hope for lung killer.

DOCTORS have found a gene that could lead to a treatment for deadly cystic fibrosis.

They said a study of 3000 patients revealed levels of the gene IFRD1 varied with the severity of the disease, which destroys the lungs.

In mice with the disease, deleting the gene reduced lung inflammation.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre in the US discovered the protein made by IFRD1 runs part of the immune system that can damage people's airways.

Study leader Dr Christopher Karp: "It's possible IFRD1 could become a target for treatment."