Methods of Sputum and Mucus Assessment for Muco-Obstructive Lung Diseases in 2022: Time to "Unplug" from Our Daily Routine!

ABSTRACT: Obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, share some major pathophysiological features: small airway involvement, dysregulation of adaptive and innate pulmonary immune homeostasis, mucus hyperproduction, and/or hyperconcentration. Mucus regulation is particularly valuable from a therapeutic perspective given it contributes to airflow obstruction, symptom intensity, disease severity, and to some extent, disease prognosis in these diseases. It is therefore crucial to understand the mucus constitution of our patients, its behavior in a stable state and during exacerbation, and its regulatory mechanisms. These are all elements representing potential therapeutic targets, especially in the era of biologics. Here, we f

SUBMITTER: Charriot J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8909676 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature