Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Unfolded Protein Response in HIV-1 Replication and Infectivity
Published on: June 14, 2024
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response in lung diseases: molecular pathways and therapeutic
Lanlan Song1, Yichen Liu1, Chen Xu1
1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, PR China.
Abstract:
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs when the protein-folding capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is overwhelmed, triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore homeostasis. However, severe or persistent ERS can shift the UPR toward pro-inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic signaling, thereby exacerbating tissue injury. The pathogenesis and progression of lung diseases, which involve highly heterogeneous cell populations, are significantly influenced by these mechanisms. Indeed, ERS and UPR activation are now recognized as central players in the pathophysiology of numerous lung diseases. This review examines the impact of dysregulated ERS/UPR signaling across different lung diseases, with a particular focus on its cell-type-specific effects and disease-specific implications. Furthermore, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies designed to modulate these pathways. A comprehensive understanding of the cell-type-specific outcomes of ERS/UPR is therefore crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate or reverse lung disease progression. © 2026 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Related Concept Videos
The Unfolded Protein Response
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
Protein Folding Quality Check in the RER
Protein Modifications in the RER
Broadly, these modifications can be categorized into four main categories — glycosylation, formation of disulfide bonds, assembly of protein subunits, and specific proteolytic cleavages like removal of signal...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation

