A study on mucosal defense, epithelial alterations and remodeling of small airways in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Le résumé fourni par la source

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a deadly disease representing a huge burden worldwide, caused by the exposure to noxious particles, mainly cigarette smoke. COPD remains widely misunderstood, leading to underdiagnosis and absence of curative or targeted treatment. It is a disease characterized by the presence of emphysema, corresponding to alveolar destruction, and small airway inflammation and disappearance. In addition, alterations in mucosal immunity, specifically the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), and in epithelial barrier have been identified in COPD small airways, but their link to lung tissue destruction and airway remodeling is unexplored. The aim of this project is to relate mucosal defense alterations to morphological changes of small airways in COPD lungs, with a specific focus on the pIgR-Immunoglobulin A (IgA) system and bronchiolar epithelial composition.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.