Ageing results in an exacerbated inflammatory response to LPS by resident lung cells

Ageing leads to a heightened neutrophilic inflammatory response in the lung after LPS exposure, and higher expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by resident lung cells, including alveolar macrophages, epithelial cells and endothelial cells. The responses of multiple resident lung cell populations are altered by aging and contribute to the exacerbated inflammation in the lung following LPS challenge. This has implications for our understanding of respiratory infections and inflammation in older people.