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Published on: April 20, 2018
Lung Macrophage Functional Properties in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Kentaro Akata1,2, Stephan F van Eeden1,2
1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z1Y6, Canada.
Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by the chronic exposure of the lungs to toxic particles and gases. These exposures initiate a persistent innate and adaptive immune inflammatory response in the airways and lung tissues. Lung macrophages (LMs) are key innate immune effector cells that identify, engulf, and destroy pathogens and process inhaled particles, including cigarette smoke and particulate matter (PM), the main environmental triggers for COPD. The number of LMs in lung tissues and airspaces is increased in COPD, suggesting a potential key role for LMs in initiating and perpetuating the chronic inflammatory response that underpins the progressive nature of COPD. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss the origins of LMs, their functional properties (chemotaxis, recruitment, mediator production, phagocytosis and apoptosis) and changes in these properties due to exposure to cigarette smoke, ambient particulate and pathogens, as well as their persistent altered functional properties in subjects with established COPD. We also explore the potential to therapeutically modulate and restore LMs functional properties, to improve impaired immune system, prevent the progression of lung tissue destruction, and improve both morbidity and mortality related to COPD.
Insights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves persistent lung inflammation driven by toxic exposures. Lung macrophages (LMs) play a key role in COPD pathogenesis and present a therapeutic target for improving lung health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from chronic lung exposure to toxic particles and gases.
- This exposure triggers persistent innate and adaptive immune inflammatory responses in the airways and lung tissues.
- Lung macrophages (LMs) are crucial innate immune cells involved in pathogen clearance and processing inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke and particulate matter (PM), key COPD triggers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origins and functional properties of lung macrophages (LMs) in COPD.
- To examine how environmental exposures alter LM functions.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting LM function to mitigate COPD progression and improve patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on LM origins and functions in COPD.
- Analysis of LM alterations due to cigarette smoke, particulate matter, and pathogens.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic modulation of LM functional properties.
Main Results:
- Increased numbers of LMs in lung tissues and airspaces are observed in COPD patients.
- LM functions such as chemotaxis, recruitment, mediator production, phagocytosis, and apoptosis are altered by environmental exposures.
- Established COPD is associated with persistent, altered LM functional properties.
Conclusions:
- Lung macrophages are central to the initiation and perpetuation of COPD-related chronic inflammation.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating LM function hold promise for treating COPD.
- Restoring normal LM function could prevent lung tissue destruction and reduce COPD morbidity and mortality.
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