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Innate immune responses of the airway epithelium

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Molecules and Cells

Abstract

Barrier epithelia, especially airway epithelial cells, are persistently exposed to micro-organisms and environmental factors. To protect the host from these microbial challenges, many immune strategies have evolved. The airway epithelium participates in the critical innate immune response through the secretion of immune effectors such as mucin, antimicrobial peptides (AMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to entrap or kill invading microbes. In addition, airway epithelial cells can act as mediators connecting innate and adaptive immunity by producing various cytokines and chemokines. Here, we present an overview of the role of mucosal immunity in airway epithelium, emphasizing the framework of bacterial and viral infections along with regulatory mechanisms of immune effectors in human cells and selected animal models. We also describe pathophysiological roles for immune effectors in human airway disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center for Human Natural Defense System, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, Korea

    Ji-Hwan Ryu & Joo-Heon Yoon

  2. The Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, Korea

    Ji-Hwan Ryu & Joo-Heon Yoon

  3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, Korea

    Chang-Hoon Kim & Joo-Heon Yoon

  4. The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, Korea

    Chang-Hoon Kim & Joo-Heon Yoon

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  1. Ji-Hwan Ryu
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Ryu, JH., Kim, CH. & Yoon, JH. Innate immune responses of the airway epithelium. Mol Cells 30, 173–183 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10059-010-0146-4

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