Inhaled corticosteroids and increased microbial load in COPD: potential role of epithelial adhesion molecules

We read with great interest the recent very elegant study by Contoli et al. [1] published in the European Respiratory Journal, and the accompanying editorial by Wilkinson [2], wherein authors investigated the long-term effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on microbial load in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is an important area, and it is encouraging and reassuring that leading respiratory journals are recognising this. Understanding the mechanisms behind microbial infections is very important. In the discussion, the authors mentioned that the mechanisms by which these communities of different microorganisms interact with the epithelium and influence the immune system in COPD are essentially unknown. We would like to take this further, and suggest a broader discussion of new insights into the potential mechanisms contributing to increased adherence of microbes to airway epithelium and immune cell populations.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: COPD and smoking Original Articles: Correspondence Source Type: research