Lung mucociliary clearance (MCC)

The term "Clearing Lung" refers to the biological process of mucociliary clearance (MCC), a primary innate defense mechanism of the respiratory system. It is not a single molecular target or receptor but a physiological function involving the coordinated action of ciliary beating and the production and transport of airway surface liquid (ASL) and mucus [1, 15]. In therapeutic contexts, particularly within biotechnology and traditional medicine, "clearing the lung" involves the removal of mucus, cellular debris, and pathogens to restore respiratory function [2, 6, 12]. Key molecular drivers of this process include the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) and the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC), which regulate ion and water balance in the airways to maintain optimal mucus hydration [1, 12]. Additionally, in laboratory settings, the term can refer to tissue clearing (e.g., CLARITY), a technique used to make lung tissue transparent for high-resolution 3D imaging in research [4, 11]. Failure of lung clearance is a hallmark of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1, 19].

Other names

Clearing LungLung clearanceAirway clearanceMucociliary clearanceQingfeiLung-clearingLung heat clearing

Enhancement of chloride secretion via CFTR, inhibition of sodium absorption via ENaC, or enzymatic degradation of extracellular DNA and mucins to reduce mucus viscosity and facilitate airway transport [1, 10, 21].