Common characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of airway mucus hypersecretion in lung disease.

Ze-Qiang LIN; Shi-Man PANG; Si-Yuan ZHU; Li-Xia HE; Wei-Guo KONG; Wen-Ju LU; Zi-Li ZHANG

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Common characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of airway mucus hypersecretion in lung disease.

Author: Ze-Qiang LIN ¹ ; Shi-Man PANG ² ; Si-Yuan ZHU ² ; Li-Xia HE ¹ ; Wei-Guo KONG ¹ ; Wen-Ju LU ¹ ; Zi-Li ZHANG ¹
Author Information

1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Medical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510180, China.
2. Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, China.
Publication Type:English Abstract
MeSH: Humans; Mucus/metabolism*; Mucins/physiology*; Lung Diseases/metabolism*; Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism*; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology*; Asthma/physiopathology*; Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology*; Mucociliary Clearance/physiology*
From: Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):989-1000
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: In a healthy human, the airway mucus forms a thin, protective liquid layer covering the surface of the respiratory tract. It comprises a complex blend of mucin, multiple antibacterial proteins, metabolic substances, water, and electrolytes. This mucus plays a pivotal role in the lungs' innate immune system by maintaining airway hydration and capturing airborne particles and pathogens. However, heightened mucus secretion in the airway can compromise ciliary clearance, obstruct the respiratory tract, and increase the risk of pathogen colonization and recurrent infections. Consequently, a thorough exploration of the mechanisms driving excessive airway mucus secretion is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation for the eventual development of targeted drugs designed to reduce mucus production. Across a range of lung diseases, excessive airway mucus secretion manifests with unique characteristics and regulatory mechanisms, all intricately linked to mucin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms associated with excessive airway mucus secretion in several prevalent lung diseases.