Cellular and molecular aspects of pneumonia

Abstract

Immunotherapy aimed at modulation of immune responses may serve as an important adjuvant to antibiotic therapy in the treatment of pneumonia. Alveolar macrophages and polymor-phonuclear cells play a prominent role in innate immunity in the lungs. These cells need to communicate in mounting an effective host defense against invading pathogens. Cytokines, chemokines, and colony-stimulating factors play a critical role in this process. Side-products of the coagulation cascade also enhance local inflammation. Activation of the complement system results in the formation of several proinflammatory mediators that can attract and activate polymorphonuclear cells, and formation of molecules with antimicrobial activity. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.