Potential New Inflammatory Markers in Bronchiectasis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Specific molecular and inflammatory endotypes have been identified for chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). These endotypes correspond with clinical aspects of disease, enabling targeted medicines to address certain pathophysiologic pathways, often referred to as “precision medicine”. With respect to bronchiectasis, many comorbidities and underlying causes have been identified. Inflammatory endotypes have also been widely studied and reported. Additionally, several genes have been shown to affect disease progression. However, the lack of a clear classification has also hampered our understanding of the disease’s natural course. The aim of this review is, thus, to summarize the current knowledge on biomarkers and actionable targets of this complex pathologic condition and to point out unmet needs, which are required in the design of effective diagnostic and therapeutic trials.