Epithelial cell fate following lung injury

Lung epithelium is the primary site of lung damage in various lung diseases. Epithelial cell death has been considered to be the initial event in lung injury and is followed by remodeling processes. When the degree of lung injury is mild, damaged tissue will be repaired normally, whereas excess cell death may lead to irreparable lung damage and remodeling processes. The survival and recovery of epithelial and endothelial cells, and the resolution of inflammatory cells appear to be key for normal tissue repair. We review the recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms of cell death following lung injury in various lung diseases and discuss its regulation by novel strategies. Further understanding of mechanisms of cell death and its regulation may lead to the development of effective treatments against lung injury.