Innate Immunity Orchestration in Lung Health and Diseases, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The lungs act as an interface between innate immunity and inhaled components. On average, ten thousand liters of inhaled air passes through the respiratory tract daily, exposing the lungs to a plethora of microbes, pathogens, chemicals, toxins, and other unwanted compounds. Respiratory tract infections, chronic inflammation, and injuries (pathogen or sterile) are not only major causes of morbidity, but they also affect quality of life.

Healthy innate and adaptive immune systems not only combat pathogen attacks but help to maintain healthy lung function. Innate immunity provides the first line of immune defense against pathogens and promotes the resolution of inflammation. To counter pathogenic attack, a complex interplay occurs between host cells, infiltrating innate immune cells, secreted innate immune proteins, and innate lymphoid cells, producing various cytokines and chemokines within the airway microenvironment. Innate immune cell neutrophils are the first to arrive at the site of infection or injury and play a pivotal role against infectious pathogens, either through phagocytosis or degranulation, or by releasing NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps), unique mechanisms to trap and kill pathogens. The recent literature suggests that NETs are beneficial mechanisms for combatting pathogens, but the presence of dysregulated or excessive NETs can exacerbate diseases such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, ARDS, acute lung injury, and pneumonia, as well as several chronic pulmonary diseases.

The aim of this Special Issue of Biomedicines is to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of innate immune cells, innate immune proteins, lymphoid cells, and the microenvironment during lung pathologies. The discussion of underlying mechanisms and regulatory interactions between innate immune components and effectors will aid in the development of new therapeutic options for lung-associated disorders. We invite authors to submit relevant original research articles, mini and full reviews, and perspectives for inclusion in this Special Issue.

Dr. Meraj Alam Khan
Guest Editor

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• innate immune cells
• neutrophils
• NETs
• NETosis
• macrophages
• phagocytosis
• innate lymphoid cells
• epithelial cells
• lung inflammation
• lung cancer
• immunotherapy