Matrikines dictate the amplitude of inflammation in smoke-related Streptococcus pneumoniae pulmonary infection.

Robison, Sarah W; Li, Jindong; Genschmer, Kristopher R; Viera, Liliana; Foote, Jeremy B; Wilson, Landon; Swords, W Edward; Blalock, J Edwin et al. · JCI Insight · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Smoking remains a major risk factor for the severity of bacterial pneumonias, although mechanisms driving this injury remain poorly understood. This manuscript provides a new insight on how the smoke-exposed lung and bacteria augment the release of enzymes capable of directly damaging pulmonary tissue, leading to worsening inflammation and tissue damage.

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