Apoptosis and the removal of apoptotic cells (termed efferocytosis) are tightly coupled with
the regulation of normal lung structure, both in the developing and adult organism.
Processes that disrupt or uncouple this balance have the potential to alter normal cell
turnover, ultimately resulting in the induction of lung pathology and disease. Apoptotic cells
are increased in several chronic inflammatory lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF),
non-CF bronchiectasis, COPD, and asthma. While this may well be due to the enhanced …