How the lung regenerates after injury and the role played by specific cell types are at the center of a recent review article by a group of DZL researchers. Published in the European Respiratory Review, the paper summarizes the current state of research on cellular plasticity, tissue organization and regenerative processes in the lung. These topics are also of central importance for the development of future therapies for chronic lung diseases.
The adult lung fundamentally possesses the capacity for repair. Following injury or inflammation, specialized cells can change their function, adapt to new demands and contribute to tissue restoration. This process, known as cellular plasticity, enables damaged structures to be replaced and airway function to be partially restored. At the same time, misdirected or incomplete regeneration may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or COPD.
The authors describe how modern technologies — particularly single-cell analyses — have significantly improved our understanding of the cellular composition and dynamics of lung tissue in recent years. As a result, repair processes can now be studied in far greater detail than before. New findings show that different cell populations respond flexibly to injury, activating complex signaling networks that determine whether regeneration succeeds or progresses toward disease.
For translational research, this highlights an important objective: to promote regenerative processes in a targeted manner without triggering pathological tissue remodeling. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could open new therapeutic avenues in the long term, for example through the targeted activation of reparative cell programs or interventions in disease-promoting signaling pathways.
The work therefore underscores the growing importance of fundamental biological research for the development of future treatment strategies for chronic lung diseases. At the same time, it demonstrates how closely insights from basic research are linked to clinical questions and how they can contribute to improving patient care.
Original publication:
Zaragosi L-E, Salwig I,WasnickR-M, et al. Cellular plasticityand regenerative mechanismsinthelung. EurRespirRev2026;35:250168 [DOI:10.1183/16000617.0168-2025]
