Airwaves
LUNG EPITHELIUM, RSV AND T CELLS
Respiratory viruses are important triggers of exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interact with lung epithelial cells. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a key factor in the pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations. In this issue of Thorax, Wang and colleagues report important findings showing that healthy lung epithelial cells are potent inhibitors of T cell activation and proliferation and associated cytokine secretion. However, this regulatory function is lost or reduced depending on the severity of the RSV infection. In the accompanying editorial, Smyth provides a very clear account of airway epithelial function and describes the importance of the findings of Wang and colleagues and other researchers. She concludes, however, …
