Cell movement and respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases are one of the major public health problems in the world. Changes in the movement of different cells in the respiratory system can lead to various respiratory diseases. For example, impaired mucociliary clearance can lead to airway obstruction and airway inflammation. Inhibition of epithelial cell migration slows down wound closure, and may allow pathogens to enter the body to cause respiratory diseases. Excessive cell proliferation can cause airway remodeling and airway narrowing. Moreover, excessive contraction of smooth muscle cells is the main cause of airway hyperresponsiveness. This chapter reviews the role of mucociliary clearance, cell migration, cell proliferation, and smooth muscle cell contraction in respiratory diseases.