Lung epithelial cells are increasingly recognized to be active effectors of microbial defense,
contributing to both innate and adaptive immune function in the lower respiratory tract. As
immune sentinels, lung epithelial cells detect diverse pathogens through an ample
repertoire of membrane-bound, endosomal, and cytosolic pattern-recognition receptors
(PRRs). The highly plastic epithelial barrier responds to detected threats via modulation of
paracellular flux, intercellular communications, mucin production, and periciliary fluid …