06Mar 2023
Could Dysregulated Lung Natural Killer Cells Be a Key Factor in COPD Progression?

Could Dysregulated Lung Natural Killer Cells Be a Key Factor in COPD Progression?

The article discusses the role of tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells in respiratory immunity, specifically in chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study investigated the phenotype and antiviral responses of trNK cells in both murine and human COPD. Results showed that CD49a+ NK cells were more altered in early COPD onset compared to circulating NK cells, and increased proportions of CD49a+ NK cells correlated with worsening disease in both murine and human COPD. Furthermore, smoke exposure may aberrantly prime trNK cell responsiveness to viral infection, contributing to excess inflammation during viral exacerbations of COPD. Overall, trNK cell function is altered in cigarette smoke–induced disease, highlighting their potential role in respiratory immunity during chronic lung diseases like COPD.

  • #critical care

Like

Save

Share