Experimental lung research
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The continuous exposure of the epithelial surface of the conducting airways to inhaled pathogens requires the presence of an efficient innate immune system to prevent infections. The innate immune system of the lung provides protection against a broad spectrum of microbial threats through a variety of effector mechanisms. The antimicrobial peptides and proteins form important elements of this defence system in the lung. ⋯ More recently, also active vitamin D(3) has been implicated as a major regulator of AMPs expression. AMPs contribute to host defence through direct antimicrobial activity, as well as by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, and wound repair. Novel insight into the mechanism of action of these peptides and the regulation of their expression may lead to innovative approaches for treatment of infectious and inflammatory lung disorders.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is a serious and distressing illness, which occurs almost exclusively in infants under one year of age. Although the majority of all children will have experienced an infection with RSV by the time they reach their second birthday, only a minority develop bronchiolitis. It is unclear why some otherwise healthy infants develop this severe illness and many studies have investigated whether or not this relates to an over-exuberant immunological response to the infection. It is increasingly being recognized that the innate immune response may play a key role.