The inability of defensin to function in high-salt environments is at least partly responsible for the pathology of this disease. Imagine that you are the director of a biotech company that specializes in manufacturing human proteins by producing them in yeast. Based on what you know about protein structure and function in general, and defensin in particular, propose an experimental strategy for your company to develop a new product to treat cystic fibrosis patients. Cystic fibrosis does not only affect lungs. Another characteristic of the disease is the inability to secrete digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the small intestine.
Most digestion actually takes place there, rather than in the stomach.
So, cystic fibrosis patients take enzyme supplements to aid digestion. These enzymes are sealed in capsules that are enteric-coated, so that the capsule doesn't break down and release enzymes until it reaches the small intestine.