Interfacial sensing regulates alveolar barrier function in lung epithelial monolayer

Alveolar Type II cells (AT II cells) are located in the alveoli of the lung and are in close proximity to an air-liquid-interface. An important function of AT II cells is the production and secretion of pulmonary surfactant. Pulmonary surfactant is an essential substance, which reduces the high surface tension acting at the alveolar interface. Different stimuli and forces act on this nanometer scaled gas-blood-barrier. As AT II cells are responsible for the regulation and maintenance of alveolar structures and processes, we suggest that changes of the extracellular environment lead to a fast feedback response vi…