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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Respiratory mucosal immunity: Biological functions, diseases, prevention and therapy
Yu Zhang1, Zhiruo Song1, Weiqi Hong1
1Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Genes & Diseases
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Respiratory mucosal (RM) immunity protects airways from pathogens and maintains health. Advances in RM vaccines and therapies offer new strategies against respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Respiratory mucosal (RM) immunity is crucial for airway defense, immune tolerance, and tissue homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of RM immunity contributes to various respiratory diseases, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for effective respiratory mucosal interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological functions and mechanisms of RM immunity.
- To overview immune dysregulation in respiratory diseases.
- To highlight recent advances in RM intervention strategies, particularly vaccine platforms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing RM immunity functions and dysregulation.
- Overview of current and emerging RM vaccine platforms (live-attenuated, inactivated, viral vector, subunit, mRNA).
- Discussion of next-generation strategies focusing on upper airway immunity and safety.
Main Results:
- RM immunity integrates multiple defense and homeostasis mechanisms.
- Various vaccine platforms are being developed for RM delivery.
- Next-generation strategies aim for enhanced upper airway protection and safety.
Conclusions:
- Advances in RM vaccine platforms offer a framework for developing effective interventions against respiratory pathogens.
- Targeting the respiratory mucosa is essential for preventing and treating respiratory diseases.
- Future strategies focus on upper airway immunity, antigen design, and intranasal safety.
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