[Tissue damage and immunological responses in acute bronchopulmonary infections]

The appearance of a clinical infectious disease in the lung is determined by the success or failure of pulmonary defense mechanisms. This review highlights several components of the normal respiratory host defenses: the mechanical barriers, the immunoglobulins IgG and IgA, and the interaction of the alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes. For optimal clearance, not only must effectors cells, responder cells, and mediators be present, but their action must be integrated.