Physiological and immunological barriers in the lung

• DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01003-y
• Publication Date: 2024-03-07T09:47:16Z
• Authors: Takahiro Kageyama; Takashi Ito; Shigeru Tanaka; Hiroshi Nakajima
• Keywords: Adherens junction; Mucociliary clearance

Abstract The lungs serve as the primary organ for respiration, facilitating vital exchange of gases with bloodstream. Given their perpetual exposure to external particulates and pathogens, they possess intricate protective barriers. Cellular adhesion in is robustly maintained through tight junctions, adherens desmosomes. Furthermore, pulmonary system features a mucociliary clearance mechanism that synthesizes mucus transports it outside. This enriched chemical barriers like antimicrobial proteins immunoglobulin A (IgA). Additionally, complex immunological network comprising epithelial cells, neural immune cells plays pivotal role defense. comprehensive understanding these systems offers valuable insights into potential pathologies therapeutic interventions.