Lung regeneration: diverse cell types and the therapeutic potential

Abstract

Lung tissue has a certain regenerative ability and triggers repair procedures after injury. Under controllable conditions, lung tissue can restore normal structure and function. Disruptions in this process can lead to respiratory system failure and even death, causing substantial medical burden. The main types of respiratory diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Multiple cells, such as lung epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are involved in regulating the repair process after lung injury. Although the mechanism that regulates the process of lung repair has not been fully elucidated, clinical trials targeting different cells and signaling pathways have achieved some therapeutic effects in different respiratory diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the cell type involved in the process of lung regeneration and repair, research models, and summarize molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of lung regeneration and fibrosis. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical trials of stem cell therapy and pharmacological strategies for COPD, IPF, and ARDS treatment. This review provides a reference for further research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lung regeneration, drug development, and clinical trials.

Protein interactome analysis of ATP1B1 in alveolar epithelial cells using Co-Immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry and parallel reaction monitoring assay

“…As a key structure of the lung epithelium, alveolar type II cells are pivotal in surfactant production and secretion, alveolar surface liquid regulation, innate immune response, and alveolar epithelial regeneration. Damage to alveolar type II cells could not only exacerbate the progression of ARDS but also interfere with alveolar epithelial repair and regeneration and eventually lead to lung fibrosis [ [4] , [5] , [6] ]. Thus, exploring the molecular mechanisms in alveolar epithelial cells, especially alveolar type II cells, is of great importance to improving the outcomes of ARDS patients.…”