Airway Epithelial Cell Junctions as Targets for Pathogens and Antimicrobial Therapy

Autor: Nannan Gao, Fariba Rezaee
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Pharmaceutics, Vol 14, Iss 12, p 2619 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1999-4923
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122619
Popis: Intercellular contacts between epithelial cells are established and maintained by the apical junctional complexes (AJCs). AJCs conserve cell polarity and build epithelial barriers to pathogens, inhaled allergens, and environmental particles in the respiratory tract. AJCs consist of tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs), which play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the airway barrier. Emerging evidence has shown that different microorganisms cause airway barrier dysfunction by targeting TJ and AJ proteins. This review discusses the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which several microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) lead to the disruption of AJCs in airway epithelial cells. We present recent progress in understanding signaling pathways involved in the formation and regulation of cell junctions. We also summarize the potential chemical inhibitors and pharmacological approaches to restore the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier. Understanding the AJCs–pathogen interactions and mechanisms by which microorganisms target the AJC and impair barrier function may further help design therapeutic innovations to treat these infections.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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