Epithelial Cells of a COPD Patient (IMAGE)

WashU Medicine

Epithelial Cells of a COPD Patient

Caption

This photomicrograph depicts airway epithelial cells from lung tissue of a COPD patient. The cell nuclei have been stained to reveal IL-33, a type of signaling molecule found at high levels in COPD patients. New research shows that viral infection can induce these cells to proliferate. Release of IL-33 from these cells promotes inflammatory mucus production. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms linking acute infection to chronic inflammatory lung disease.

Credit

Holtzman lab

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