Lung Epithelial Damage and Repair; From Lung Cell Death to Epithelial Repair

Epithelial cells play a key role in obstructive lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Upon chronic exposure to toxicants, epithelial cells become damaged, triggering an epithelium induced-immune response. Understanding the mechanisms of epithelial injury and repair is important for the development of novel therapies for pulmonary diseases. Within this session an overview will be provided on cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in epithelial damage, the consequences for the development of obstructive pulmonary diseases and potential novel therapeutic strategies. After the session, participants will understand the complex role of epithelial cells in obstructive lung diseases and how epithelial cells can be targeted to induce lung tissue regeneration.