Airway epithelial cell signaling in response to bacterial pathogens

The airway epithelium represents a primary site for the introduction and deposition of potentially pathogenic microorganisms into the body, through inspired air. The epithelial mucosa is an important component of the innate immune system that recognizes conserved structures in microorganisms and initiates appropriate signaling to recruit and activate phagocytic cells to the airways. This review focuses on how airway epithelial cells sense and respond to the presence of bacterial pathogens. The major signaling cascades initiated by epithelial receptors that lead to phagocyte recruitment to the airways as well as the ability of the epithelium to regulate inflammation are discussed.