Inflammatory and Immune Mechanisms in COPD: Current Status and Therapeutic Prospects

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently ranks among the top three causes of mortality worldwide, presenting as a prevalent and complex respiratory ailment. Ongoing research has underscored the pivotal role of immune function in the onset and progression of COPD. The immune response in COPD patients exhibits abnormalities, characterized by diminished anti- infection capacity due to immune senescence, heightened activation of neutrophils and macrophages, T cell infiltration, and aberrant B cell activity, collectively contributing to airway inflammation and lung injury in COPD. Objective: This review aimed to explore the pivotal role of the immune system in COPD and its therapeutic potential. Methods: We conducted a review of immunity and COPD published within the past decade in the Web of Science and PubMed databases, sorting through and summarizing relevant literature. Results: This article examines the pivotal roles of the immune system in COPD. Understanding the specific functions and interactions of these immune cells could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies and interventions aimed at controlling inflammation, enhancing immune function, and mitigating the impact of respiratory infections in COPD patients.