Inflammatory Mediators in the Airway: A Structural Cells’ Perspective
摘要
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the lung that displays airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, chronic inflammation, increased mucus production, and decreased lung functionality. Asthma is a risk factor for many chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Adequate treatment strategies and symptom management can slow the progressive decline in lung functionality and reduce complications in comorbid conditions. Cells that make up the structure of the lung provide first-line defense and alarm against inhaled inflammatory triggers. This chapter will be discussing different structural cell types in the lungs and their functional relevance. In addition, this chapter will highlight the involvement of each cell type with traits observed within asthma, the inflammatory mediators that are largely produced within the lung by different structural cell types, and current treatment options focusing on the structural cells for management of asthma.