Protecting the lungs against "collateral damage" from the immune system

Protecting the lungs against "collateral damage" from the immune system. A new study has provided fresh insights into how immune responses can cause damage in conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Adapted from a media release issued by the Wellcome Trust Thursday 2 September 2010 A study published online today shows how our bodies try to minimise potential 'collateral damage' caused by our immune system when fighting infection. The research may also provide new clues to why cigarette smoke is a significant risk factor for developing diseases of the lung such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. When bacteria or viruses enter the body, our immune system fights back to neutralise any danger. One of the key 'soldiers' working for the immune system is a particular type of cell known as a neutrophil, which releases toxic enzymes to kill the invading organism. But these enzymes can cause collateral damage to surrounding tissue, and so the neutrophils need to act swiftly and leave the site of infection as quickly as possible.