New therapeutic targets for the prevention of infectious acute exacerbations of COPD: role of epithelial adhesion molecules and inflammatory pathways.

摘要: Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with the major contributor, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounting for approximately 3 million deaths annually. Frequent acute exacerbations (AEs) COPD (AECOPD) drive clinical and functional decline in associated accelerated loss lung function, increased mortality, decreased health-related quality life significant economic costs. Infections a small subgroup pathogens precipitate majority AEs and consequently constitute comorbidity COPD. However, current pharmacological interventions ineffective preventing infectious their treatment is compromised by rapid development antibiotic resistance. Thus, alternative preventative therapies need to be considered. Pathogen adherence epithelium through host receptors prerequisite step invasion subsequent infection of surrounding structures. disruption bacterial–host cell interactions receptor antagonists or modulation ensuing inflammatory profile present attractive avenues for therapeutic development. This review explores key mediators pathogen–host interactions that may offer new therapeutic targets potential prevent viral/bacterial-mediated AECOPD. There several conceptual methodological hurdles hampering that require further research resolution.