The ability to rejuvenate lung tissue and restore function is currently an ideal goal for those working in respiratory science. Understanding the mechanisms involved in lung remodelling and repair are paramount for the development of new treatments for several lung diseases and in particular for emphysema, a major component of COPD. Despite many studies investigating the underlying pathophysiologies of COPD, to date there are no disease-modifying treatments for this disease. Repair of damaged lung tissue is complex and many chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, might arise from dysregulated repair mechanisms. Nevertheless, replenishment of the gas exchange units in the lung remains an enticing target. In the alveoli, alveolar type I (ATI) cells form ~90% of the area, providing a surface for gas exchange due to their large, flattened surface [1, 2]. ATII cells account for the remainder of the surface area and are much smaller cuboidal cells that have a role in production and secretion of surfactant proteins, including surfactant protein C (SFTPC) [3].

使肺组织和恢复功能的能力目前是呼吸科学工作者的理想目标。了解肺重塑和修复所涉及的机制对于开发多种肺部疾病的新治疗方法至关重要，尤其是肺气肿，肺气肿是 COPD 的主要组成部分。尽管有许多研究调查了 COPD 的潜在病理生理学，但迄今为止还没有针对这种疾病的疾病缓解治疗方法。受损肺组织的修复很复杂，许多慢性肺病，如 COPD 或特发性肺纤维化，可能是由修复机制失调引起的。尽管如此，补充肺部的气体交换单位仍然是一个诱人的目标。在肺泡中，肺泡 I 型 （ATI） 细胞占面积的 ~90%，由于其大而扁平的表面，为气体交换提供了表面 [1， 2]。ATII 细胞占据了表面积的其余部分，是更小的立方体细胞，在表面活性剂蛋白（包括表面活性剂蛋白 C，SFTPC）的产生和分泌中发挥作用 [3]。