[Regeneration of airway epithelium]

Abstract

Introduction: Epithelial regeneration is a complex process. It can lead to the remodeling of the airway epithelium as in asthma, COPD or cystic fibrosis.

Background: The development of in vivo and in vitro models has allowed the analysis of remodeling mechanisms and showed the role of components of extracellular matrix, proteases, cytokines and growth factors. Airway epithelial progenitors and stems cells have been studied in these models. However, their identification remains difficult.

Conclusion: Identification and characterization of airway epithelial progenitor/stem-cells, and a better knowledge of the regeneration process may allow the development of new therapeutic strategies for airway epithelial reconstitution.

Keywords: Airway epithelium; BPCO; COPD; Cellules souches; Cystic fibrosis; Mucoviscidose; Regeneration; Régénération; Stem-cells; Épithélium des voies aériennes.