Endosomal and plasma membranes of airway epithelial cells

The endosomal and plasma membranes of airway epithelial cells represent the primary physical and biological interface between the external environment and the respiratory system (Nature, 2020). The plasma membrane serves as the outer boundary, facilitating gas exchange and sensing environmental stimuli, while the endosomal membranes are involved in the internal trafficking and processing of molecules (Journal of Cell Biology, 2018). These membranes are of high clinical interest because they contain essential proteins such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, and CFTR, which are involved in viral infections like COVID-19 and genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis (PubMed, 2021). However, the term itself describes a cellular location or compartment rather than a specific, druggable molecule like a receptor or enzyme. Consequently, while these membranes are the site of action for many inhaled and systemic drugs, they do not constitute a single therapeutic target. Targeting these membranes generally involves modulating the specific proteins or lipid compositions embedded within them to treat respiratory infections, inflammation, or obstructive lung diseases (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Airway epithelial cell membranesRespiratory epithelial membranesApical and endosomal membranes of the airway

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