Imunitní systém v plicích chrání plochu okolo 100 m2 a denně bývá v kontaktu s 10 000 litry
inhalovaného vzduchu, který obsahuje bezpočetné částice i infekční agens. V tomto ohledu …

Alveolar macrophages (AM) are the principal resident phagocytes in the human lung and
play a major role in the local defense against environmental agents. The first event that …

The lung is directly and continuously exposed to the environment and has therefore
developed strong defense mechanisms, which, as those of other organs, include innate and …

Background: Different forms of chronic airway inflammation may involve diverse pathogenic
elements. In general, deficient defence response is a feature of chronic obstructive …

Cytokines are signal molecules that induce movement, differentiation, growth and death of
many cell types. Cytokines generate these effects through interactions with receptors, which …

The respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems are internal organs of the body
directly open to the external environment. The mucosal linings of the above systems are …

Infection of the respiratory system is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide
[1]. Respiratory tract infection, including croup, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis and …

The lungs are repeatedly exposed to respiratory pathogens, either by inhalation or (micro-)
aspiration of microorganisms that colonize the oropharynx. Infectious agents that have …

Over the past ten years or so, we have been witnessing a slow but enduring change of
mainstream research in respiratory medicine. From being widely dominated by studies of …

The lung, in order to facilitate gas exchange, represents the largest epithelial surface area of
the body in contact with the external environment. 34 As normal respiration occurs, the …