Airway epithelial cell membrane

The airway epithelial cell membrane is the boundary structure of airway epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, consisting of a phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins, glycoproteins, and receptors. It underlies the critical barrier function of the airway epithelium, regulating permeability, preventing pathogen entry, participating in mucosal defense, and enabling selective transport and signaling. The membrane’s molecular complexes—tight junctions, adherens junctions, and associated cytoskeletal networks—ensure structural integrity and homeostasis. Disruption or dysfunction of this membrane contributes to airway diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis via impaired barrier function, enhanced inflammation, and reduced antimicrobial defense.

Other names

Airway epithelial membraneAirway epithelial barrierRespiratory epithelial membraneBronchial epithelial cell membrane