How Cigarette Smoke Impairs Critical Lung Immune Cells
January 20, 2025 by technologynetworks.com
How Cigarette Smoke Impairs Critical Lung Immune Cells
Australian researchers have identified how chemicals in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes impact immune cells in the lungs, making smokers more vulnerable to respiratory infections and worsening conditions like COPD. Published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the study reveals cigarette smoke hampers immune responses and exacerbates lung diseases. The research team found that components in smoke affect immune cells' functions and could lead to developing more effective COPD treatments. By studying MAIT cells, researchers observed reduced cell function in smoke-exposed mice, emphasizing the role of cigarette smoke in weakening immune defense and promoting lung diseases.
12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR