In search of the fibrotic epithelial cell: opportunities for a collaborative network. Issue 2 (15th June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jenkins, Gisli; Blanchard, Andrew; Borok, Zea; Bradding, Peter; Ehrhardt, Carsten; Fisher, Andrew; Hirani, Nik; Johnson, Simon; Königshoff, Melanie; Maher, Toby M; Millar, Ann; Parfrey, Helen; Scotton, Chris; Tetley, Terry; Thickett, David; Wolters, Paul
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 67:Issue 2(2012)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2011-06-15
• Subjects: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis -- alveolar epithelial cells -- technical -- logistical -- regulatory -- airway epithelium -- allergic alveolitis -- ARDS -- asthma -- asthma mechanisms -- cytokine biology -- interstitial fibrosis -- lung proteases -- pulmonary vasculitis -- sarcoidosis -- allergic lung disease -- asthma pharmacology -- eosinophil biology -- innate immunity -- asbestos induced lung disease -- drug induced lung disease -- macrophage biology -- neutrophil biology -- systemic disease and lungs -- rare lung diseases -- opportunist lung infections -- oxidative stress -- pulmonary oedema -- COPD mechanisms -- COPD pharmacology -- emphysema -- tobacco and the lung -- ANCA related vasculitides -- pleural disease; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-200195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease of unknown aetiology. It has a very poor prognosis and no effective treatment. There are two major barriers to the development of novel treatments in IPF: an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and the fact that current models of the disease are poorly predictive of therapeutic response. Recent studies suggest an important role for the alveolar epithelium in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, practical limitations associated with isolation and culture of primary alveolar epithelial cells have hampered progress towards further elucidating their role in the pathogenesis of the disease or developing disease models that accurately reflect the epithelial contribution. The practical limitations of primary alveolar epithelial cell culture can be divided into technical, logistical and regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome to ensure rapid progress towards improved treatment for patients with IPF. To develop a strategy to facilitate alveolar epithelial cell harvest, retrieval and sharing between IPF research groups and to determine how these cells contribute to IPF, a workshop was organised to discuss the central issues surrounding epithelial cells in IPF (ECIPF). The central themes discussed in the workshop have been compiled as the proceedings of the ECIPF.