Sara Kass-Gergi, Nicolas P Holcomb, Michael M Maiden, Laurence C Eisenlohr, Andrew E Vaughan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe consequence of respiratory infections, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and irreversible lung architectural damage. Once considered a rare condition, PF is now increasingly recognized in the wake of viral infections, particularly among survivors of viral-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted in bold relief the observation that many survivors of severe viral pneumonia do not recover fully but develop chronic fibrotic changes that impair lung function. This review examines the clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms linking viral infections-COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses-to the onset of pulmonary fibrosis. By probing the mechanisms of cellular injury, immune dysregulation, and aberrant repair mechanisms, we aim to illuminate the pathways that transform an acute viral insult into a chronic, fibrotic disease.
期刊介绍:
The American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology publishes original research covering the broad scope of molecular, cellular, and integrative aspects of normal and abnormal function of cells and components of the respiratory system. Areas of interest include conducting airways, pulmonary circulation, lung endothelial and epithelial cells, the pleura, neuroendocrine and immunologic cells in the lung, neural cells involved in control of breathing, and cells of the diaphragm and thoracic muscles. The processes to be covered in the Journal include gas-exchange, metabolic control at the cellular level, intracellular signaling, gene expression, genomics, macromolecules and their turnover, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, cell motility, secretory mechanisms, membrane function, surfactant, matrix components, mucus and lining materials, lung defenses, macrophage function, transport of salt, water and protein, development and differentiation of the respiratory system, and response to the environment.