New Airway-Hugging Immune Cells Discovered in the Lung

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown subset of immune cells residing in the lung that specifically combat viral infections. The respiratory tract is particularly susceptible to invading viral pathogens, such as influenza, or SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

Alveolar macrophages, or AMs, are the first line of cellular defense in the airways. These…