Advancing Lung Immunology Research: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report

Abstract

The mammalian airways and lungs are exposed to a myriad of inhaled particulate matter, allergens, and pathogens. The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the host from respiratory pathogens, but a dysregulated immune response during respiratory infection can impair pathogen clearance and lead to immunopathology. Furthermore, inappropriate immunity to inhaled antigens can lead to pulmonary diseases. A complex network of epithelial, neural, stromal, and immune cells has evolved to sense and respond to inhaled antigens, including the decision to promote tolerance versus a rapid, robust, and targeted immune response. Although there has been great progress in understanding the mechanisms governing immunity to respiratory pathogens and aeroantigens, we are only beginning to develop an integrated understanding of the cellular networks governing tissue immunity within the lungs and how it changes after inflammation and over the human life course. An integrated model of airway and lung immunity will be necessary to improve mucosal vaccine design as well as prevent and treat acute and chronic inflammatory pulmonary diseases. Given the importance of immunology in pulmonary research, the American Thoracic Society convened a working group to highlight central areas of investigation to advance the science of lung immunology and improve human health.

Optimising the yield from bronchoalveolar lavage on human participants in infectious disease immunology research

“…These risks can be mitigated and therefore BAL for research alone, without any envisioned clinical bene t to the participant, is becoming a common procedure. The uid is used for both qualitative and quantitative measurements to study structural and immune cells, soluble mediators, mucus, and features of tissue remodelling, at the site of disease 2 . Researchers have an ethical duty to ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible for the volunteer, and that the BAL specimen retrieved is of su cient quantity and quality to be of scienti c value.…”

Optimising the yield from bronchoalveolar lavage on human participants in infectious disease immunology research

“…These risks can be mitigated and therefore BAL for research alone, without any envisioned clinical benefit to the participant, is becoming a common procedure. The fluid is used for both qualitative and quantitative measurements to study structural and immune cells, soluble mediators, mucus, and features of tissue remodelling, at the site of disease 2 . Researchers have an ethical duty to ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible for the volunteer, and that the BAL specimen retrieved is of sufficient quantity and quality to be of scientific value.…”