Involvement of the Innate Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 17;23(2):985. doi: 10.3390/ijms23020985.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, socially significant disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation due to chronic inflammation in the bronchi. Although the causes of COPD are considered to be known, the pathogenesis of the disease continues to be a relevant topic of study. Mechanisms of the innate immune system are involved in various links in the pathogenesis of COPD, leading to persistence of chronic inflammation in the bronchi, their bacterial colonization and disruption of lung structure and function. Bronchial epithelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages and other cells are involved in the development and progression of the disease, demonstrating multiple compromised immune mechanisms.

Keywords: COPD; TLR; bacterial colonization; bronchial epithelium; inflammation; innate immune system; macrophages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / immunology*
  • Bronchi / immunology
  • Bronchi / microbiology
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / immunology*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / microbiology