Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.
2012 Jun;32(2):73-80.
Formation of Airway Mucus; Synthesis, Exocytosis and Dilution of Gel-Forming Mucins
Abstract
- The lungs are highly defensive to environmental challenges thanks to the airway mucus layer, not only as a pool of antimicrobial and antioxidant contents but also as an important part of physical barrier and mucociliary clearance. This review comprises the mechanism of airway mucus production; synthesis, exocytosis to the airway lumen and dilution of gel-forming mucins. Airway mucus consists of mainly water and mucins, highly glycosylated and condensed proteins. The mucins are produced in the mucin-secreting cells, in which interleukin-13 is one of the synthesis stimulators. Mucins are processed and maturated in the cytoplasm, and then released into the airway in two ways, constitutive and regulated. The constitutive exocytosis might be essential in maintaining normal airway mucus gel layer. The regulated exocytosis occurs mainly in the diseased airway, agonized by ATP through P2Y2 purinergic receptors. Secreted mucins are immediately hydrated through the osmotic pressure on the airway epithelium. Water and bicarbonate contents in the lumen are important factors determining the physical properties, especially the viscosity of the airway mucus.
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