a study from researchers led by Columbia University identifies a previously unknown subset of AMs, dubbed nerve and airway associated macrophages or NAMs, specialized to the airways of the lungs to provide pulmonary immunoregulation of an overactive AM-induced inflammatory response. The team states the newly discovered NAMs regulate the cytokine-based inflammation produced by AMs during a lung infection and could provide new information on cytokine storms linked to lung damage and death in influenza or coronavirus patients.

Newly discovered lung-only immune cells may have implications for coronavirus.

Our immune system, consisting of proteins, microbes, and specialized immune cells known as white blood cell cells, is crucial for survival. Macrophages are a white blood cell engulfing and destroying any foreign invader, such as viruses or bacteria, it finds in the host in a process known as phagocytosis. Alveolar macrophages (AMs), found primarily in the respiratory tract, are the guards of the airways performing … Continue reading Newly discovered lung-only immune cells may have implications for coronavirus.