Uncovering the Role of Terminal Airway-Enriched Secretory Cells in Small Airways of COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, but current treatments are inadequate and early diagnosis is difficult. Recent research using single-cell RNA sequencing identified a population of cells called terminal airway-enriched secretory cells (TASCs) specifically found in healthy lung distal airways. TASCs express surfactant proteins and may play a role in airway obstruction. Loss of TASCs in COPD lungs may be due to chronic inflammation and IFN-γ signaling. However, it is unclear if TASC loss causes small airway disease or is part of a larger continuum of cellular changes.