[The bronchial epithelium--more than a mechanical protection. The role of bronchial epithelial cells in defective healing has been determined]

Abstract

The pulmonary epithelium forms a continuous lining to the airways and to the environment. In addition to its mechanical and transport functions, the epithelium may also contribute to host defence via interactions with other inflammatory cells and with its surrounding matrix. Moreover, the bronchial epithelium manifests ability to undergo repair after injury. However, this repair process may be impaired, resulting in fibrotic scarring and compromised physiological function. Thus, in all likelihood repair processes play a crucial part in such chronic airway diseases as asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease. The article consists in a brief review of pulmonary epithelial function with regard to host defence and to its involvement in repair processes.