Calcium-Dependent Pulmonary Inflammation and Pharmacological Interventions and Mediators

Pulmonary diseases present a significant burden worldwide and lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Lung inflammation caused by interactions with either viruses, bacteria or fungi is a prominent characteristic of many pulmonary diseases. Tobacco smoke and E-cig use ("vaping") are considered major risk factors in the development of pulmonary disease as well as worsening disease prognosis. However, at present, relatively little is known about the mechanistic actions by which smoking and vaping may worsen the disease. One theory suggests that long-term vaping leads to Ca²⁺ signaling dysregulation. Ca²⁺ is an important secondary messenger in signal transduction. Cellular Ca²⁺ concentrations are mediated by a complex series of pumps, channels, transporters and exchangers that are responsible for triggering various intracellular processes such as cell death, proliferation and secretion. In this review, we provide a detailed understating of the complex series of components that mediate Ca²⁺ signaling and how their dysfunction may result in pulmonary disease. Furthermore, we summarize the recent literature investigating the negative effects of smoking and vaping on pulmonary disease, cell toxicity and Ca²⁺ signaling. Finally, we summarize Ca²⁺-mediated pharmacological interventions that could potentially lead to novel treatments for pulmonary diseases.