Lung epithelial cells express pattern recognition receptors, which react to bacteria. We have evaluated the effect of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on interleukin-8 (CXCL8) release from epithelial cells and the integrity of the epithelial barrier.
Cardiothoracic Pharmacology Department, Unit of Critical Care Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. rosalinda.sorrentino@googlemail.com
