The Intricate Involvement of Macrophages in Pulmonary Emphysema: Insights, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract

The intricate involvement of macrophages in pulmonary emphysema signifies their pivotal role in disease pathogenesis and progression. Dysregulated macrophage behavior, marked by altered activation states, promotes chronic inflammation, protease release, and oxidative stress, exacerbating tissue damage and alveolar destruction. Targeting macrophages emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue to modulate immune responses, restore tissue homeostasis, and mitigate disease severity. Recent advances have highlighted macrophage heterogeneity, signaling pathways, and their impact on lung tissue remodeling. Understanding the complexities of macrophage involvement offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies and potential interventions aimed at modulating their behavior to halt disease progression. Future prospects involve precision therapies, multi-target approaches, and comprehensive studies to validate the efficacy and safety of macrophage-targeted interventions, paving the way for transformative management strategies in pulmonary emphysema.