Airway epithelial cells as drivers of severe asthma pathogenesis

Our understanding of the airway epithelium's role in driving asthma pathogenesis has evolved over time. From being regarded primarily as a physical barrier that could be damaged via inflammation, the epithelium is now known to actively contribute to asthma development through interactions with the immune system. The airway epithelium contains multiple cell types with specialized functions spanning barrier action, mucociliary clearance, immune …