Mucociliary Respiratory Epithelium Integrity in Molecular Defense and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Viral Infections.

ABSTRACT: Mucociliary defense, mediated by the ciliated and goblet cells, is fundamental to respiratory fitness. The concerted action of ciliary movement on the respiratory epithelial surface and the pathogen entrapment function of mucus help to maintain healthy airways. Consequently, genetic or acquired defects in lung defense elicit respiratory diseases and secondary microbial infections that inflict damage on pulmonary function and may even be fatal. Individuals living with chronic and acute respiratory diseases are more susceptible to develop severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) illness and hence should be proficiently managed. In light of the prevailing pandemic, we review the current understanding of the respiratory system and its molecular components with a major focus on the pathophysiol

SUBMITTER: Adivitiya 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7911113 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature