IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE PULMONARY EPITHELIUM

The mature pulmonary epithelium forms a continuous lining to the airsp ace, Recent data suggest that this specialized epithelium may also con tribute to host defence via interactions with inflammatory cells, Pulm onary epithelial cells can serve as part of the local immune system, p roviding structures and functions crucial for the maintenance of norma l pulmonary function. This article will briefly review the morphology and development of the pulmonary epithelial cells, their function with regard to host defence, alterations of the pulmonary epithelium assoc iated with airway diseases, and potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of respiratory diseases.