The aging lung mucosa: A proteomics study

The elderly population is at increased risk of acute and chronic respiratory infections and other pulmonary diseases, and it is estimated that this population will double in the next 30 years. Biochemical changes in the lung alveolar mucosa and lung cells alter local immune response as we age, creating opportunities for invading pathogens to establish successful infections. Indeed, the lungs of the elderly are a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, dysregulated environment but this environment has remained understudied. We performed a comprehensive, quantitative proteomic profile of the lung mucosa in the elderly, developing insight into the molecular fingerprints, pathways, and regulatory networks that characterize the lung in old age. We identified neutrophils in the lungs of elderly individuals as possible contributors to dysregulated lung tissue environment. This study establishes a baseline for future investigations to develop strategies to mitigate susceptibility to respiratory infections in the elderly.