For decades, immunologists have studied the role of circulating immune cells in host
protection, with a more recent appreciation of immune cells resident within the tissue …

The mucus clearance system is the dominant mechanical host defense system of the human
lung. Mucus is cleared from the lung by cilia and airflow, including both two-phase gas-liquid …

The airway epithelium protects us from environmental insults, which we encounter with
every breath. Not only does it passively filter large particles, it also senses potential danger …

The last decade has been somewhat of a renaissance period for the field of macrophage
biology. This renewed interest, combined with the advent of new technologies and …

Despite the advent of sophisticated and efficient new biologics to treat inflammation in
asthma, the disease persists. Even following treatment, many patients still experience the …

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways, which affects more than 350 million people
worldwide. It is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting at least 30 million …

The respiratory epithelium is lined by mucus, a gel consisting of water, ions, proteins, and
macromolecules. The major macromolecular components of mucus are the mucin …

The lung is continuously exposed to particles, toxicants, and microbial pathogens that are
cleared by a complex mechanical, innate, and acquired immune system. Mucociliary …

Asthma is characterized by mucus abnormalities. Airway epithelial hyperplasia and
metaplasia result in changes in stored and secreted mucin and the production of a …

Membrane fusion triggered by Ca2+ is orchestrated by a conserved set of proteins to
mediate synaptic neurotransmitter release, mucin secretion and other regulated exocytic …