Neutrophil dynamics in pulmonary fibrosis: pathophysiological and therapeutic perspectives
Dosanjh, Davinder Parekh, Dhruv Crowley, Louise E. Stockley, Robert A. Tickett, David R.
Dosanjh, Davinder
Parekh, Dhruv
Crowley, Louise E.
Stockley, Robert A.
Tickett, David R.
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Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; University of Birmingham
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Publication date
2024-11-27
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Abstract
The shared pathobiological mechanisms driving progressive fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) remain unclear. Neutrophils, the most common immune cells in the human body, contain an extensive array of proteinases that are important for cell function, including tissue repair and remodelling. Increasing observational studies have reported elevated neutrophil counts in the respiratory tract and circulation of patients with ILD and suggest a role as a biomarker of disease severity. Neutrophils and their contents (including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)) are present in fibrotic lung tissue. Proteinases and NETs may drive fibrogenesis in animal and in vitro models and may impact transforming growth factor-β1 activation. However, the effect of neutrophil action, whether reparative or pathologically destructive to the delicate lung architecture, has yet to be determined. This review aims to summarise the current literature surrounding the potential role of the neutrophil as a biomarker and contributor to the pathogenesis of ILD. There is currently a paucity of treatment options in ILD driven by the knowledge gap underlying the overall disease mechanisms. This review concludes that neutrophils warrant further evaluation as manipulation of recruitment and function could provide a novel and much needed therapeutic strategy.
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Crowley LE, Stockley RA, Thickett DR, Dosanjh D, Scott A, Parekh D. Neutrophil dynamics in pulmonary fibrosis: pathophysiological and therapeutic perspectives. Eur Respir Rev. 2024 Nov 27;33(174):240139. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0139-2024.
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Article