Mitochondrial transplantation in lung diseases: From mechanisms to application prospects

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles in eukaryotic cells, which play an important role in energy metabolism, cell cycle and apoptosis. Therefore, mitochondrial abnormalities can affect various physiological and pathological processes. Extensive research over a long period of time has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a hallmark of several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. Mitochondrial transplantation has emerged in recent years as a novel approach for treating mitochondria-related diseases. This therapy involves transferring viable, functionally intact mitochondria into cells or tissues, either directly or indirectly, to replace dysfunctional mitochondria and restore mitochondrial function, thereby achieving therapeutic goals. Research has indicated that mitochondrial transplantation can alleviate the progression of lung diseases and improve disease outcomes. In this review, we explore the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in lung disease and the potential application of mitochondrial transplantation in the treatment of lung disease.